Key learning points

1. [e] is pronounced liked 'je' and [é] is pronounced like 'écrire'.
2. To say 'nothing', use ne...rien. The short form verb goes between the two parts in both single and two-verb structures.
3. To say 'no one', use ne...personne. The verb goes between ne and personne in single-verb structures: je n'aide personne.
4. In two-verb structures with 'ne ... personne', personne goes to the end, after both verbs: je ne vais dessiner personne.

Keywords

• Ne...rien - negative structure, meaning 'nothing' or 'not anything'

• Ne...personne - negative structure, meaning ‘no one' or 'not anyone'

Common misconception