“une moitié de...” VS “la moitié de...”

U. B.B2Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

A quiz question was as follows:

Je te donne ________ de mon salaire. ——> I give you half my salary.

I answered “une moitié”, but the correct answer was “la moitié”.

Why is this the case? I understood from the lesson that these two are interchangeable.

Even if they are not interchangeable, I would think:

- “une moitié de mon salaire” ——> one half of my salary

Whereas:

- “La moitié de mon salaire” ——> the half of my salary

Thanks

Asked 4 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I give you half of my salary. -- Je te donne la moitié de mon salaire.

Without specifying "one half", you go with the definite article.

Like14 years ago

chris w.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Is that distinction really maintained in real life? In English , the 'one' or 'a' half of is understood. is that not so in French?

Like13 years ago