FRENCH	ENGLISH
articles définis	definite articles
When you talk about likes and dislikes, you use the definite article ("le," "la," "les") before the noun.
J'aime la vue.	I like the view.
J'adore le bateau.	I love the boat.
Je déteste la chaleur.	I hate the heat.
Il déteste les surprises.	He hates surprises.
Je préfère les montagnes. /mɔ̃taɲ/	I prefer the mountains.
Partitive Articles (de la, de l', du, des) are used when referring to an unspecified quantity of something, but not typically with verbs of preference like "aimer" (to like), "adorer" (to love), "détester" (to hate), etc.
Il boit de la bière.	He drinks beer.
Il a de l’argent.	He has money.
Ils veulent du chocolat.	They want chocolate.
Je mange des épinards.	I eat spinach.
Il a acheté des vestes.	He bought jackets.
In negative sentences, (de la, de l', du, des) become 'de'.
Il boit pas de bière.	He doesn't drink beer.
Il n’achetait pas de vestes.	He didn't buy jackets.
Definite articles are used when talking about things in general or about countries.
La vie est un cadeau.	Life is a gift.
L'eau est essentielle à la vie. /esɑ̃sjɛl/	Water is essential for life.
Le vin est une boisson alcoolisée. /bwasɔ̃/ /alkɔlize/	Wine is an alcoholic drink.
Les girafes ont un long cou. /ʒiʀaf/	Giraffes have long necks.