When to Use "Un" and "Une"

In French, "un" and "une" are words we use like "a" or "an" in English.

The difference between them depends on whether the noun (a person, place, or thing) is masculine or feminine:

• Un: We use this for masculine nouns.
  • For example, un chat means "a cat."
• Une: We use this for feminine nouns.
  • For example, une table means "a table."

Important Grammar Points

1. Regular -er Verbs:

   • For example, the verb parler means "to speak."
     • Je parle means "I speak."
     • Tu parles means "You speak."

2. Articles:

   • When we talk about definite articles (which tell us something is specific), we use:
     • le for masculine nouns,
     • la for feminine nouns.
   • For indefinite articles (which tell us about something in general), we use:
     • un for masculine nouns,
     • une for feminine nouns.

3. Subject Pronouns:

   • These are the words we use to talk about who is doing the action:
     • je (I)
     • tu (you)
     • il/elle (he/she)
     • nous (we)
     • vous (you, formal)
     • ils/elles (they)

4. Negative Sentences:

   • To say something is not true, we can use "ne" and "pas."
   • For example, Je ne sais pas. means "I do not know."

5. Adjective Agreement:

   • Adjectives describe nouns and must match the noun's gender:
     • grand means "big" for masculine nouns,
     • grande means "big" for feminine nouns.
     • petits means "small" for masculine plural nouns,
     • petites means "small" for feminine plural nouns.

Sample Sentences

• J'ai un livre. (I have a book - masculine)
• J'ai une pomme. (I have an apple - feminine)