Difference between "aucune part" and "nulle part" in a negative sentence.

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Difference between "aucune part" and "nulle part" in a negative sentence.

What is the difference between: "nulle part" et "aucune part"?  In answered, "Je ne les trouve aucune part." as the translation for "I don't find them anywhere." I had written "nulle part", but then changed it to "aucune part" because I thought it was more accurate for "anywhere" (as opposed to "nowhere").

Asked 2 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Doing an internet search, ‘aucune part’ does seem to get some use for this meaning in various francophone regions - references to Creole and Mauritian use were found. However, it does not make it into Larousse for use in this general context.  I don’t think you will hear it with any frequency in Metropolitan France. ‘Nulle part’ is specifically noted as translating to ‘anywhere’ in negative sentence constructions. It is not a matter of whether it ‘means’ anywhere or nowhere in English, but how it is used and defined in French that is important. https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/anglais-francais/anywhere/562742 

'Aucune part (de qqc)' is different in meaning - essentially 'no part, or similar meaning, (of something)' and refers to part of something specified/specific.

Difference between "aucune part" and "nulle part" in a negative sentence.

What is the difference between: "nulle part" et "aucune part"?  In answered, "Je ne les trouve aucune part." as the translation for "I don't find them anywhere." I had written "nulle part", but then changed it to "aucune part" because I thought it was more accurate for "anywhere" (as opposed to "nowhere").

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!