Articles in front of words beginning with h
Key points
- In most cases in French l’ is used in front of the letter h instead of le or la: l'histoire
- However, with some words beginning with h, le or la are used: le hamster
In most cases the letter h is treated as a vowel in French. As a result, l’ is used in front of it instead of le or la:
Il est l’heure de partir
It’s time to leave
L'histoire est ma matière préférée
History is my favourite subject
However, with some words beginning with h le or la are used:
Le hamster de Jean n’est plus dans sa cage
Jean’s hamster is no longer in its cage.
Le héros de ce roman s’appelle Thomas
The hero of this novel is called Thomas