A1BeginnerNegation · Point 7 / 40
ne + verbe + pas, n' + voyelle, pas + de + nom
To say no, wrap the verb in “ne” and “pas”.
| Structure | Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ne | + verbe + pas | the basic structure for saying no |
| n' | + voyelle | “ne” shortened before a vowel |
| pas | + de + nom | after the negation, the article changes to “de” |
In speech, people often drop the “ne”: “Je sais pas”. In writing, keep both words.
In context
Examples from our dialogues
Lines taken from our dialogues. Listen to them, then open the full dialogue to hear them in a real situation.
- Listen
Je ne sais pas comment faire.
I don't know how to do it.
Check The Full DialogueBuying a transit fare at a kioskAcheter un titre de transport à une borne
A1 - Listen
Non, nous n'avons pas de réservation.
No, we don't have a reservation.
Check The Full DialogueArriving at the restaurantSe présenter à l'accueil du restaurant
A1 - Listen
Je n'en ai pas. Est-ce que je peux m'en procurer une ?
I don't have one. Can I get one?
Check The Full DialogueUsing a flyer specialProfiter d'un spécial de la circulaire
A2 - Listen
Non, c'est la première fois. Je ne me sens pas bien depuis deux jours.
No, it's the first time. I have not been feeling well for two days.
Check The Full DialogueCalling a clinic to book an appointmentAppeler une clinique pour prendre un rendez-vous
A2 Je sais pas, je comprends pas.
I don't know, I don't understand. (spoken, “ne” dropped)
Watch out
Common mistakes
Mistakes you will often hear, and the right way to say it.
Je ne sais.Je ne sais pas.
It is “pas” that carries the negation. Without “pas” the sentence is incomplete; you may drop “ne” in speech, never “pas”.
Je n'ai pas une réservation.Je n'ai pas de réservation.
After “pas”, the article “un / une / des” becomes “de” (or “d’” before a vowel).
Read
Related readings
Short texts where this point comes up. Read them to see it inside a story.