n'est pas
The English phrase 'is not' is translated into French as n'est pas.
This phrase is the negative form of the verb 'to be' used with a third-person singular subject.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In spoken, informal French, the ne is often dropped, leaving only est pas. While n'est pas is the standard way to express negation, in very formal or literary contexts, the pas can sometimes be omitted, leaving just n'est.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ne becomes n’ because it precedes a verb starting with a vowel. To use this verb in other person forms, you would use Je ne suis pas (I am not), Tu n'es pas (You are not), Il/Elle n'est pas (He/She is not), Nous ne sommes pas (We are not), Vous n'êtes pas (You [plural/polite] are not) or Ils/Elles ne sont pas (They are not).
Did you know?
- The phrase n'est-ce pas functions as a universal tag question. Regardless of the subject or verb in the main sentence, this phrase is used to ask 'right?' or 'isn't that so?'
- The word pas used in the phrase n'est pas originally meant 'a step'.
Examples in context
- Ce n'est pas bon.This is not good.This sentence is useful for saying that something is not good.Tatoeba #1112217 by sacredceltic, translation #1898098 by CK
- Ce n'est pas cher.This is not expensive.This sentence is useful for saying that something is not expensive.Tatoeba #12360 by engone, translation #1216159 by jared1981
- Ce n'est pas cool.This is not cool.This sentence is useful for saying that something is not cool.Tatoeba #392280 by qdii, translation #392279 by DJ_Saidez
- Il n'est pas là.He is not here.
- Cette robe n'est pas jolie.This dress is not pretty.
- C'est pas grave.It's not important.
- Elle n'est pas une étudiante.She is not a student.
- C'est pas grave, t'inquiète.It's not important, don't worry.
- Il est pas là aujourd'hui.He is not here today.
- 1310 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking at a piece of fruit in a market.
- HugoCe fruit est mûr ?Is this fruit ripe?
- EmmaNon, il n'est pas mûr.No, it is not ripe.
- HugoC'est dommage.That is a shame.
- EmmaMais il est très sucré.But it is very sweet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
