"Je ne manque de rien." is given as the correct translation for "I lack nothing". Why the "ne"? Why not just "Je manque de rien"? It has been about three years since I paid attention to French, and I am really rusty.
lack for nothing construction
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Nancy P.Kwiziq community member
lack for nothing construction
This question relates to:French lesson "Using manquer (de) to say you/something miss or lack in French"
Asked 2 months ago
Hi Nancy,
The 'ne' is known as a 'ne explétif' is is part of the negation construction 'ne...rien'.
The 'ne' is often dropped in informal spoken French, but in formal written French, it's important to include both parts of the negation.
There are several lessons on negatives including this one which should help you revise -
Ne ... rien = Nothing (French Negations)
Bonne Continuation !
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