What are Indefinite Articles?
Indefinite articles introduce nouns that are not yet known or specific—like 'a' or 'an' in English. French has three forms: un (masculine singular), une (feminine singular), and des (all plurals). Unlike definite articles, they point to one or more unspecified members of a category.
Indefinite articles (un, une, des) introduce unspecific nouns. Use un for masculine singular, une for feminine singular, and des for all plurals regardless of gender.
- •un + masculine: un chat (a cat)
- •une + feminine: une table (a table)
- •des + any noun: des chats (cats), des tables (tables)
Step-by-step worked examples
Use an indefinite article: '_____ homme entre dans la classe.' (A man enters the class.)
'Homme' is masculine singular and unknown/unspecified. Use 'un' for masculine singular. Answer: Un homme entre dans la classe.
Complete: 'J'ai _____ amis français.' (I have French friends — unspecified number.)
'Amis' is plural (multiple friends), and we don't know the exact number. Use 'des' for all plurals. Answer: J'ai des amis français.
Fill in: 'Elle cherche _____ maison à louer.' (She is looking for a house to rent.)
'Maison' is feminine singular and the house hasn't been identified yet. Use 'une' for feminine singular. Answer: Elle cherche une maison à louer.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.A cat (unspecified): '_____ chat'
Q2.Some tables (unspecified): '_____ tables'
Q3.A woman (feminine, unspecified): '_____ femme'
Q4.Which sentence is correct?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Indefinite Articles?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Using 'le/la' when you mean unspecified: 'le chat' (the specific cat) vs. 'un chat' (any cat). — Correct: Use indefinite (un/une/des) for new/unspecified nouns; definite (le/la/les) for known nouns.
Forgetting that 'des' is both masculine and feminine plural. — Correct: 'Des' is the only plural indefinite article; use it for all plurals regardless of gender.
Changing 'un' to 'un'' before vowels: 'un' oiseau not 'un' oiseau'. — Correct: 'Un' does NOT change before vowels. Say 'un arbre', 'un oiseau', 'un enfant'.
Using the wrong gender: 'un femme' or 'une homme'. — Correct: Learn the gender with the noun: un homme, une femme. Practice phrases, not words alone.
FAQ
What are indefinite articles in French?
Words introducing unknown nouns: un (masculine singular), une (feminine singular), des (all plurals).
When do you use indefinite articles instead of definite?
Indefinite for new/unspecified nouns; definite for known/specific nouns. 'Un chat' (a cat) vs. 'le chat' (the cat).
What is the plural of 'un' and 'une'?
Both become 'des': un chat → des chats; une femme → des femmes.
Do you use 'une' before a feminine vowel, or stay 'une'?
'Une' stays the same before vowels: une arme (a weapon), une école (a school).