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Indefinite articles: un, une, des

un, une, des

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un, une, des

un is a masculine thing, une is a feminine thing, des is some / plural. They often mark a first mention.

Notice the contrast:un livreune tabledes livres

Examples in context

Read the examples and compare their English meanings.

Masculine singular nouns

Use un with masculine singular nouns.

J'ai un chien.

I have a dog.

Feminine singular nouns

Use une with feminine singular nouns.

Je veux une pomme.

I want an apple.

Plural nouns (some)

Use des for more than one.

Il achète des livres.

He is buying books.

Common mix-ups

Compare: Je veux un pomme.Use here: Je veux une pomme.

Pomme is feminine, so use une.

I want an apple.

Try a reply

Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.

There is a chair and some books.

Show one possible answer

Il y a une chaise et des livres.

Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.

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