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Negation in French

The negation in French is formed by enclosing the verb with the two negative particles "ne" and a second part, depending on the type of negation.

Ne... pas This is the most common form of negation, used to negate a verb in the present, past, or future tense.

• Je ne parle pas français. (I don't speak French.)
• Nous n'avons pas vu ce film. (We haven't seen this movie.)

Ne... jamais Used to express the idea of "never" doing something.

• Je ne vais jamais au cinéma. (I never go to the movies.)
• Ils ne sont jamais arrivés à l'heure. (They never arrived on time.)

Ne... rien Used to negate the presence or existence of something.

• Je n'ai rien compris. (I didn't understand anything.)
• Il ne reste rien dans le réfrigérateur. (There's nothing left in the fridge.)

Ne... personne Used to negate the presence of people or anyone.

• Il n'y a personne dans la salle. (There's nobody in the room.)
• Je ne connais personne ici. (I don't know anyone here.)

Ne... plus Used to express the idea of "no longer" doing something.

• Je ne fume plus. (I no longer smoke.)
• Nous ne travaillons plus ensemble. (We no longer work together.)

In some cases, the "ne" is dropped in informal spoken French, but the second part of the negation remains.

• Je comprends pas. (I don't understand.)
• J'ai rien fait. (I didn't do anything.)