French: When to use "du" vs "de la"

Understanding when to use "du" versus "de la" in French can be tricky for learners. These partitive articles are used to express an unspecified quantity of something. Let's break down their usage and provide some examples.

Usage of "du"

"Du" is used for masculine singular nouns. It's a contraction of "de le" (of the).

Examples:

• Je voudrais du pain. (I would like some bread.)
• Il boit du lait. (He drinks some milk.)

Usage of "de la"

"De la" is used for feminine singular nouns.

Examples:

• Elle mange de la salade. (She eats some salad.)
• Nous achetons de la farine. (We're buying some flour.)

Other forms

• "De l'" is used before vowels or silent h:

  • J'ai besoin de l'eau. (I need some water.)

• "Des" is used for plural nouns:

  • Ils ont des amis. (They have some friends.)

When to use "de" instead

Use "de" after negations or expressions of quantity:

• Je ne veux pas de sucre. (I don't want any sugar.)
• Un peu de sel, s'il vous plaît. (A little salt, please.)

Remember, practice makes perfect. Pay attention to the gender of nouns and you'll soon get the hang of using "du" and "de la" correctly.