Country names and articles in French

Read more about how to use Country names and articles in French.
Feel the need to learn new grammar tips fast? Learn French online and test your grammar knowledge with Frantastique for free.

TEST YOUR FRENCH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 7 million learners worldwide

Country names and articles

• In French, we precede names of countries and continents with a definite article (le, la, l’, les). This is unlike English, which rarely uses articles before countries (the United States).

♀ (those that end with an '-e') la or l’
La Grèce (Greece), la France (France), la Chine (China), l’Allemagne (Germany), la Bolivie (Bolivia), la Belgique (Belgium), etc.

♂ le or l'
Le Maroc (Morocco), le Cameroun (Cameroon), le Brésil (Brazil), le Portugal (Portugal), le Vietnam (Vietnam), le Japon (Japan), l’Iran (Iran), etc.

♀♀♂♂ les
Les États-Unis (the United States), les Pays-Bas (the Netherlands), les Philippines (the Philippines), les Seychelles (the Seychelles), etc.
Note:
• Le Mexique (Mexico), le Mozambique (Mozambique), le Cambodge (Cambodia) end in an '-e' but are masculine.
• With towns and islands we don't use an definite article.
J’aime l’Amérique du Nord ! Le Canada, les États-Unis, New-York ! I love North America! Canada, the US, New York!
La Thaïlande attire de nombreux touristes. Thailand attracts many tourists.
J’aimerais bien visiter Cuba. Pas toi ? I'd like to visit Cuba. You?

Still having trouble with 'Country names and articles'? Master the rules of French grammar and improve your French level thanks to our online French lessons Frantastique. We're offering a 7-day free trial, so what are you waiting for?



What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online French lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my French. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.


Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!

Tips for learning 'Country names and articles'? Share them with us!

TEST YOUR FRENCH