Every French noun is masculine or feminine, and the article shows which: le/un for masculine, la/une for feminine. Before a vowel both le and la shorten to l', which hides the gender - so learn the noun WITH its article, not on its own.
Examples
- Le pain est encore chaud.
- The bread is still warm.
- Je voudrais une salade, s'il vous plaît.
- I'd like a salad, please.
- La viande est dans le frigo.
- The meat is in the fridge.
The mistake to avoid
L'eau looks masculine and is feminine - which is exactly why the article has to be learnt with the word.
Where this fits in
Food & ordering, French A1: Order at a café or restaurant, ask for the bill, and talk about basic food and drink.