“The” is called definite article in English.
The dictionary.
The translator.
The paintings.
The tables.
For singular and plural nouns we use the same article ‘the”.
In French there are four forms of definite articles.
(L'article défini)
They are le, la, l’ and les. They all mean ‘the’
Rule: (1)
Use le before a masculine singular noun beginning with a consonant.
Le dictionnaire Dictionary
Le traducteur Translator
Le tableau Picture, Painting
Le film Film
Use la before a feminine singular noun beginning with a consonant.
La table Table
La maison House
La traduction Translation
La voiture Car
Use l’ before a masculine and feminine singular noun beginning with
a vowel or ‘h’ mute
L’argent Money
L’homme Man
L’arbre Tree
L’eau Water
L’assurance vie Life Insurance
Use les before all masculine and feminine plural nouns.
Les livres Books
Les tables Tables
Les hommes Men
Use definite article
1. while talking about countries.
Delhi est la capitale de l’Inde.
2. with dates and days of the week in a general sense.
C'est le 14 avril.
Il y va le samedi.
3. while talking about languages (exception is parler).
Le français n'est pas difficile.
Je parle français.
4. while referring to specific items.
C’est la bibliothèque où je vais souvent.
5. while referring in a very general sense.
Les filles sont gentilles.