This deep dive covers Les articles définis — Definite articles (the) within Gender and articles: le, la, un, une, du for GCSE French. Revise Gender and articles: le, la, un, une, du in Core Grammar Toolkit for GCSE French with 15 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 2 of 6 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📋 Les articles définis — Definite articles (the)
Use definite articles when talking about something specific, making general statements, discussing countries, or naming languages.
| Gender / Number | Article | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | le | le livre | the book |
| Feminine singular | la | la table | the table |
| Plural (m or f) | les | les élèves | the pupils |
| Before vowel / mute h | l' | l'école, l'hôtel | the school, the hotel |
J'aime le sport et la musique.
I like sport and music. (general statement about the concept)
- le before sport (masculine) — general statement uses definite article in French even though English says "I like sport" with no article at all.
- la before musique (feminine) — same rule applies.
Je parle l'espagnol et j'apprends le français.
I speak Spanish and I am learning French.
- Languages always take a definite article in French — never say je parle français in a formal sentence.
- l' replaces le/la before a vowel: l'espagnol (masculine).
Practice questions for Gender and articles: le, la, un, une, du
Which definite article do you use with a masculine singular noun in French?
Which form of the definite article is used before a noun beginning with a vowel, such as 'école'?