Des vs les

Natasha R.B2Kwiziq community member

Des vs les

I'm still somehow confused on when to use des vs. les. For example, in the translation exercises,

"and boys can play with dolls" is translated to "et les garçons peuvent jouer avec des poupées".

But I thought it should be LES poupées because it's referring to dolls (in general). Is this a case of either one working?

Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Natasha,

Imagine that you are in adult company with the children playing nearby (with dolls).

Your child wants to play but seeks permission to join in. You may say that he/she can play with "THE dolls" because it is clear which dolls are being referred to. Otherwise, 'des poupées' would mean 'some of the dolls' (de les) countable noun in a more general sense.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Natasha R. asked:

Des vs les

I'm still somehow confused on when to use des vs. les. For example, in the translation exercises,

"and boys can play with dolls" is translated to "et les garçons peuvent jouer avec des poupées".

But I thought it should be LES poupées because it's referring to dolls (in general). Is this a case of either one working?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...