French Phrase
Chaque matière a des notes.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Each subject has grades.’ It is used to state that every school subject receives a mark or score. The phrase can also be understood as ‘Each material has notes,’ but in an educational setting the grading meaning is far more common.
When to use
Use this sentence when talking about school reports, comparing performance across subjects, or explaining that a grading system applies to every discipline. It’s a neutral statement, suitable for both formal and informal conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chaquematièreadesnotes.
Chaque + singular noun
‘Chaque’ is an indefinite adjective meaning ‘each/every’ and is always followed by a singular noun, even when the idea is plural.
a (avoir) – third person singular
‘a’ is the present‑tense form of ‘avoir’ for ‘il/elle/on’, meaning ‘has’.
des – partitive article
‘des’ is the plural partitive article used before an indefinite plural noun like ‘notes’ (grades).
notes – double meaning
In a school context ‘notes’ means ‘grades’ (usually out of 20). It can also mean ‘written notes’, but the verb ‘avoir’ points to the grading sense.
🗨In Conversation
Comment se passent tes résultats cette année ?
How are your results going this year?
Chaque matière a des notes, alors je regarde les moyennes pour voir où je dois m'améliorer.
Each subject has grades, so I look at the averages to see where I need to improve.
✕Common Mistakes
Chaque matière a les notes.
‘les notes’ would refer to specific, already‑known notes, not the general idea of grades.
Chaque matières ont des notes.
‘Chaque’ must be followed by a singular noun; the plural form ‘matières’ is incorrect here.
Chaque matière ont des notes.
If you use a plural subject, you need ‘ont’ instead of ‘a’. With ‘chaque’, keep the singular verb.
↔Alternatives
Chaque cours a des notes.
Each class has grades.
Toutes les matières ont des notes.
All subjects have grades.
Chaque matière possède des notes.
Each subject possesses grades.
Cultural Tip
In French schools, grades (notes) are usually given on a 0‑20 scale, with 10 being the passing mark. When you talk about your ‘notes’, you’re often referring to the average of the marks you received in tests, homework, and participation. It’s polite to say ‘j’ai de bonnes notes’ (I have good grades) rather than directly stating the exact numbers unless asked.