What is the difference between 'J'aimerais de nouvelles chaussures' and 'Jaimerais les nouvelles chaussures' ?

Articles always seem tricky in French, but with practice they are simple! In the first example the indefinite article 'des' is used - this means that the sentence is talking about new shoes in general. In contrast the second sentence uses 'les', the definite article, to describe the new shoes, showing that it is referring to specific new shoes. Imagine you are having a conversation about a pair of shoes you have seen in a shop window with your friend, and you want to say that you would love to buy those particular shoes. 

Note to remember: even though the shoes are plural, the first example is 'de' instead of 'des' because this is the rule when an adjective comes before the noun. If the person just wanted some shoes, they would say 'J'aimerais DES chaussures', but because the adjective 'nouvelles' precedes the noun here, you must use 'de'. 

Answered by Shereen L. French tutor

2418 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When and how would you use the vouvoiement in French?


What is the difference between a definite and an indefinite article?


When do I use the subjunctive?


How do I put a verb into the future tense?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences