FYW 239: “pas” vs “non” in French

This episode was inspired by a question from listener Philip:

“Recently, a thunderstorm damaged my internet connection. The router displayed the error message "réseau non détecté".

I was surprised, because I would have said "pas détecté". When should we use "pas" or "non" to mean "not"?"

Let’s see examples and learn about the difference between spoken and written French, what the official rules are and how everyday French bends these rules.

Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode

N’entre(z) pas.

(Merci de / prière de) Ne pas entrer.

Ne fume(z) pas dans le train

Ne pas fumer dans le train (interdition de fumer)

Accepter / ne pas accepter les cookies.

réseau non détecté

mise à jour non compatible / non disponible

acquis / non acquis / en voie d’acquisition (acquired / learned)