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Nastia B.A2Kwiziq community member

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If I am sure about which salad I am eating, I would still say 'Je mange de la salade,' 'Je mange une salade,' or 'Je mange la salade.' What is the difference?

Asked 2 weeks ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Here's the difference between these three ways of referring to a salad you're eating:

Je mange de la salade. -- This emphasizes the general substance/food type. More like "I'm eating salad" (as a type of food). It focuses on the act of eating salad in general.

Je mange une salade. -- This emphasizes that it's one complete salad/serving. More like "I'm eating a salad" (as a dish). Focuses on it being a single, complete portion,

Je mange la salade. -- This refers to a specific salad that has been previously mentioned or is known in context. More like "I'm eating the salad" (that particular one). Could be used, for example, if someone made a salad for the meal and you're eating it, or if you're eating the salad you ordered.

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Salut Nastia,

This is tricky because it depends on what you are referring to.

1) Are you referring to a meal you already started and want to complete eating? --> La salade.

2) Are you planning to make such a meal from scratch? --> Je prépare des salade (some) 

(You are bringing together all of the ingredients required)

3) Are you placing an order in a restaurant --> Je vais prendre de la salade.

I would be interested in seeing others' comments on this issue. This is how I understand it and hope that it helps.

Bonne continuation,

Jim

Partitive Articles

If I am sure about which salad I am eating, I would still say 'Je mange de la salade,' 'Je mange une salade,' or 'Je mange la salade.' What is the difference?

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