Definition of Partitive Articles
Partitive articles in French are used to express an unspecified quantity of something, often translated as "some" or "any" in English. They indicate that you are referring to a part of a whole, especially with non-countable nouns such as food, drink, or abstract concepts.
Unlike definite or indefinite articles, partitive articles do not specify a particular object but rather an indefinite amount of it.
Je veux du pain.
Zhuh vuh duh pan
I want some bread.
Forms of Partitive Articles
Partitive articles are formed by combining the preposition de with the definite articles. The forms depend on the gender and number of the noun that follows:
| Gender/Number | Partitive Article | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | du (de + le) | du fromage |
| Feminine singular | de la | de la viande |
| Before a vowel or mute h | de l’ | de l’eau |
| Plural (both genders) | des (de + les) | des légumes |
Il boit de l’eau.
Eel bwah duh loh
He drinks some water.
When to Use Partitive Articles
Use partitive articles when talking about an unspecified quantity of mass nouns or things that cannot be counted easily. They are common with foods, liquids, substances, and abstract concepts.
If the quantity is specific or countable, other articles or numbers are used instead.
Elle mange du chocolat.
El mahnzh du shoh-koh-lah
She is eating some chocolate.
Nous avons des idées.
Nooz ah-vohn dayz ee-day
We have some ideas.
Partitive Articles in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, partitive articles usually change to de or d’ regardless of gender or number. This is important to remember because it differs from the affirmative form.
Je ne veux pas de pain.
Zhuh nuh vuh pah duh pan
I don’t want any bread.
Elle ne boit pas d’eau.
El nuh bwah pah doh
She doesn’t drink any water.
Note: If the verb is être, the partitive article does not change in negative sentences.
Ce sont des pommes.
Suh sohn day pom
These are apples.
Ce ne sont pas des pommes.
Suh nuh sohn pah day pom
These are not apples.
Using Partitive Articles with Measures and Quantities
When a specific quantity or measure is given, partitive articles are replaced by expressions using de without the article. This applies after words like beaucoup (a lot), un kilo (a kilo), or une bouteille (a bottle).
Je bois beaucoup d’eau.
Zhuh bwah boh-koo doh
I drink a lot of water.
Elle achète un kilo de pommes.
El ah-shet uhn kee-loh duh pom
She buys a kilo of apples.
Common Verbs with Partitive Articles
Some verbs are frequently used with partitive articles because they imply consuming or using an unspecified amount. These include:
- Manger (to eat)
- Boire (to drink)
- Prendre (to take)
- Acheter (to buy)
- Vouloir (to want)
Ils prennent du café.
Eel prenn duh kah-fay
They are having some coffee.
Tu veux de la soupe ?
Too vuh duh lah soop
Do you want some soup?
Practice Examples
Try to identify the correct partitive article in the following sentences:
Nous mangeons ___ chocolat.
Noo mahn-zhon ___ shoh-koh-lah
We are eating ___ chocolate.
Elle boit ___ jus d’orange.
El bwah ___ zhoo doh-rahnzh
She drinks ___ orange juice.
(Answers: du, du)
Now try negating the sentences:
Je ne veux pas ___ fromage.
Zhuh nuh vuh pah ___ froh-mahzh
I don’t want ___ cheese.
(Answer: de)
Tips for Remembering Rules
- Remember that partitive articles express some or any, an indefinite quantity.
- Use du, de la, de l’, and des according to the gender and number of the noun.
- In negative sentences (except with être), replace partitive articles with de or d’.
- If the sentence includes a specific quantity or measure, use de without an article after it.
- Practice with common verbs like manger and boire to get used to the patterns.
Consistent practice with real examples helps internalize the use of partitive articles in everyday conversation.