Apart from definite and indefinite articles, there are also partitive articles in French.
French
English
J'ai du thé à la maison.
I have tea at home.
Let's learn how to use these.
What Are Partitive Articles
Rule 1: A partitive article is used with uncountable nouns. It’s formed with the preposition “de” + a definite article. It is used to express an indefinite quantity. We could translate it to "some."
There are several partitive articles: du (de+le), de la, d', and des.
When to Use Partitive Nouns
Rule 2: du or de la is used before uncountable nouns, depending on the gender of the noun.
French
English
Je mange de la confiture.
I eat jam.
Je bois du lait.
I drink milk.
Rule 3: du or de la will become de l’ when it is followed by a word beginning with a vowel or a muet h.
French
English
Je bois de l’eau.
I drink water.
Rule 4: des is used before countable nouns, independent of the gender of the noun.
French
English
Je mange des épinards.
I eat spinach.
Exception
French do not use the partitive articles (du, de la, des) with verbs that express opinion.
Instead, they use the definite article (le, la, les) as a reference to an entire category of something.
French
English
Il boit du café.
He drinks coffee.
Il aime le café.
He likes (all kinds of) coffee.
Quiz
1/3
Je voudrais _ thé.
0
correct answers.