Definite articles: le, la, l', les
The words for the
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
The words for the
Le is masculine singular, la is feminine singular, and les is plural. Le and la usually become l' before a vowel sound or a mute h: l'école, l'hôtel. An aspirated h blocks elision: le héros.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Specific Object
Use le for masculine singular nouns.
J'aime le chocolat.
I like chocolate (in general/specific).
Feminine & Vowels
Use la for feminine, l' before vowels.
Je regarde l'école.
I am looking at the school.
Plural Nouns
Use les for all plural nouns.
Où sont les livres ?
Where are the books?
Common mix-ups
Eau takes the elided article l'. An aspirated h can prevent elision even though it is not pronounced: le héros.
I want the water.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
The hotel is near the station.
Show one possible answer
L'hôtel est près de la gare.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice French grammar in context
Fabling builds stories and podcast lessons around your vocabulary, interests, and learning progress.
Your first personalized story is free. No card needed.