French Phrase
On n'a plus de dentifrice ?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether there is any toothpaste left, usually in a household context. It can be a genuine question or a rhetorical remark expressing surprise that the toothpaste has run out.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice the toothpaste tube is empty and you want to confirm with a roommate, family member, or partner. It works in informal settings such as at home, in a shared apartment, or when staying with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onn'aplusdedentifrice?
On (impersonal 'we')
In everyday French, 'on' is used like the English 'we' or as an impersonal subject, especially in informal speech.
Negative with 'plus'
When expressing 'no more' or 'no longer', French uses the negative particle 'ne' (often reduced to n') + 'plus' without 'pas'.
Partitive 'de' after a negative
After a negative construction, the partitive article changes from 'du / de la / des' to the neutral 'de' before a noun.
Ellipsis of the verb 'avoir'
The verb 'avoir' is conjugated in the present tense (a) and combined with the negative to ask if something is still available.
🗨In Conversation
On n'a plus de dentifrice ?
Are we out of toothpaste?
Non, il faut en acheter avant de finir le dernier tube.
No, we need to buy some before we finish the last tube.
✕Common Mistakes
On n'a pas plus de dentifrice.
Using 'pas' with 'plus' creates a double negative that changes the meaning.
On n'a plus du dentifrice.
After a negative, the partitive article should be 'de', not 'du'.
Nous n'avons plus de dentifrice ?
While grammatically correct, 'nous' sounds overly formal in casual conversation.
↔Alternatives
Il n'y a plus de dentifrice.
There is no toothpaste left.
On n'a plus de pâte à dents.
We don't have any toothpaste left.
Il n'y a plus de dentifrice chez nous.
We have run out of toothpaste at home.
Cultural Tip
In French, 'on' replaces 'nous' in most spoken contexts, giving the sentence a casual tone. Also note that after a negative, the partitive article becomes 'de' regardless of gender or number. When buying toothpaste in France, you’ll often see brands like Signal, Colgate, or the popular 'dentifrice à la menthe' (mint toothpaste).