Une clope vs. de clope

Alex M.A2Kwiziq community member

Une clope vs. de clope

Hello,

Why is it not 'tu n'as pas de clope?'

I thought we used a partitive article rather than a definite article when doing negations? So, in this case, de vs. une.

Asked 4 months ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Alex,

I agree that it is a confusing example and have asked for a review.

In the meantime, there is a difference in meaning between -

Tu n'as pas une clope ? 

This phrase uses the indefinite article "une" (a/one).  It implies that you're asking for a specific cigarette, as in "Do you have one cigarette I could have?" - It's slightly more direct and can sound like you're expecting or hoping the person has a cigarette or can spare one.

and

Tu n'as pas de clopes? 

This phrase uses the partitive article "de" (any). - It's a more general question, asking if the person has any cigarettes at all. - It can sound slightly less presumptuous, as you're not assuming they have cigarettes.

I hope this helps!

 

 

 

Alex M. asked:

Une clope vs. de clope

Hello,

Why is it not 'tu n'as pas de clope?'

I thought we used a partitive article rather than a definite article when doing negations? So, in this case, de vs. une.

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