Level A2Sentence StructureEaquals/CIEP A2

Negation: rien, jamais, personne

rien, jamais, personne

By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides

rien, jamais, personne

Other negatives replace pas: ne … jamais (never), ne … rien (nothing), ne … personne (nobody). Je ne vois rien. Je ne parle jamais.

Notice the contrast:Je ne parle pasJe ne parle jamais

Examples in context

Read the examples and compare their English meanings.

Never (Frequency)

Replaces 'pas' to mean never.

Je ne mange jamais de chocolat.

I never eat chocolate.

Nothing (Objects)

Replaces 'pas' to mean nothing.

Je ne comprends rien.

I understand nothing / I don't understand anything.

Nobody (People)

Replaces 'pas' to mean nobody.

Je ne vois personne.

I see nobody / I don't see anyone.

Common mix-ups

Compare: Je ne vois pas personne.Use here: Je ne vois personne.

For “I see nobody,” use ne ... personne without pas. Adding pas changes the construction and can change the meaning.

I do not see anyone.

Try a reply

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

I never drink tea. Include ne.

Show one possible answer

Je ne bois jamais de thé.

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.

Try a free story

Your first personalized story is free. No card needed.