un
/œ̃/
The English phrase 'a' is translated into French as un.
The word un is used to mean 'a'. In certain contexts, it can also function as a numeral meaning 'one' or as a partitive-like article meaning 'some'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, you must choose between un and une based on the grammatical gender of the noun that follows.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form un changes to une when the noun it modifies is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /œ̃/.
Did you know?
- The word un is used in the common expression un coup de main, which literally means 'a blow of hand' but actually means 'a helping hand'.
- The word un is inherited from the Latin ūnum, which was the accusative singular form of ūnus.
- The French language uses un in idioms like un temps mort, which literally means 'a dead time' but refers to a timeout or a lull in activity.
Examples in context
- As-tu un GSM ?Do you have a cellphone?Tatoeba #541800 by sacredceltic, translation #535419 by CM
- Il y a un hic.There's a snag.Tatoeba #1266925 by Sibelius, translation #1349953 by sacredceltic
- As-tu un reçu ?Have you a receipt?Tatoeba #397450 by sysko, translation #397449 by sysko
- 14838 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are at a cafe.
- ChloéTu veux un thé, Gabriel ?Do you want a tea, Gabriel?
- GabrielNon, je veux un jus d'orange.No, I want an orange juice.
- ChloéD'accord, je commande un jus pour toi.Okay, I'll order a juice for you.
- GabrielMerci, Chloé, tu es très gentille.Thank you, Chloé, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry un, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
