Etymology[edit]
Literally, “there is not a cat”.
Pronunciation[edit]
- IPA(key): /il ni.j‿a pa.z‿œ̃ ʃa/, /il ni.j‿a pɑ.z‿œ̃ ʃa/, /il n‿j‿a pa œ̃ ʃa/, /il n‿j‿a pɑ œ̃ ʃa/
il n’y a pas un chat
- there is no one, there isn't a soul
- Synonym: il n’y a pas âme qui vive
Usage notes[edit]
- Can also be used in the imparfait: il n'y avait pas un chat.