Description
Learn French partitive articles (du, de la, de l’, des) and quantities with clear rules, negation, and TEF Canada examples for A1–A2 learners.
Introduction: How to Talk About Food and Quantity in French
In this lesson on French partitive articles, you will learn how to talk about food, drinks, and quantities correctly.
At TEF 100% level, you must:
- describe what you eat
- order food correctly
- use accurate grammar
Mastering French partitive articles is essential if you want to:
- speak naturally about food
- avoid common grammar mistakes
- succeed in TEF Canada
What Are French Partitive Articles?
French partitive articles are used when talking about:
- non-countable items
- food and drinks
- unspecified quantities
Simple Idea
You are talking about:
“some” (not exact quantity)
Examples
- du pain → some bread
- de la soupe → some soup
- de l’eau → some water
- des fruits → some fruits
1. Forms of French Partitive Articles
In French partitive articles, the form depends on gender and number.
Forms
- du → masculine
- de la → feminine
- de l’ → before vowel
- des → plural
Examples
- du riz
- de la viande
- de l’eau
- des légumes
2. Using French Partitive Articles in Sentences
Structure
verb + partitive article + noun
Examples
- Je mange du pain
- Je bois de l’eau
- Je prends de la soupe
- Je mange des fruits
This structure is essential in ordering food in French.
3. NEGATION RULE (CRITICAL FOR TEF)
This is one of the most important rules in French partitive articles.
Rule
In negative sentences:
du / de la / de l’ / des → de
Examples
- Je mange du pain ✔️
- Je ne mange pas de pain ✔️
- Je bois de l’eau ✔️
- Je ne bois pas d’eau ✔️
Key Insight
Incorrect: Je ne mange pas du pain
Correct: Je ne mange pas de pain
This mistake is very common in TEF Canada.
4. Quantities in French (Very Important)
When you use quantities, you also use:
de
Common Expressions
- un peu de → a little
- beaucoup de → a lot of
- pas de → none
Examples
- un peu de sucre
- beaucoup d’eau
- pas de légumes
Rule
After quantity → always de
5. Compare: Partitive vs Quantity
Understanding this difference is essential.
Partitive
- Je mange du pain
Quantity
- Je mange beaucoup de pain
Key Difference
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| du / de la | some |
| beaucoup de | specific quantity |
6. Common Mistakes in French Partitive Articles
Errors
- Je ne mange pas du pain
- beaucoup du sucre
- je bois le eau
Correct Forms
- Je ne mange pas de pain
- beaucoup de sucre
- je bois de l’eau
These are high-frequency TEF mistakes.
7. TEF Canada Strategy (Exam Focus)
In TEF Canada, French partitive articles are tested in:
- food situations
- daily life descriptions
- speaking + writing
Example Task
Qu’est-ce que vous mangez ?
High-Scoring Answer
- Je mange du riz
- Je bois de l’eau
- Je ne mange pas de viande
Notice correct use of:
- partitive
- negation
8. Practice (A1 → A2 Progression)
Exercise 1
Choose the correct form:
- Je mange ___ pain (du / de)
- Je bois ___ eau (de l’ / le)
- Je ne mange pas ___ viande (de / de la)
Exercise 2
Complete with quantity:
- beaucoup ___ sucre
- un peu ___ eau
- pas ___ légumes
Exercise 3 (A2 Level)
Write 3 sentences:
- one positive (partitive)
- one negative
- one with quantity
9. Mini TEF Speaking Task
Question:
Qu’est-ce que vous mangez ?
Model Answer
Je mange du riz.
Je bois de l’eau.
Je ne mange pas de viande.
Continue Learning French
After mastering French partitive articles, continue with:
FAQ
What are French partitive articles?
They are du, de la, de l’, des used for non-countable nouns.
What happens in negative sentences?
They become de.
What do we use after quantities?
Always de.
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. It is tested very frequently.
Final Tip
To master French partitive articles, remember:
- food = partitive
- negation = de
- quantity = de
This rule alone will improve your grammar instantly.
