What are Spanish Articles?
Spanish articles are small words that go before nouns to indicate whether we're talking about something specific (definite) or general (indefinite). They must agree with the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun.
Spanish has two types of articles:
- Definite articles: el, la, los, las (the)
- Indefinite articles: un, una, unos, unas (a/an, some)
Examples
El perro está en el jardín.
The dog is in the garden. (specific dog)
Un perro está en el parque.
A dog is in the park. (any dog)
Definite Articles (The)
Definite articles (el, la, los, las) refer to specific nouns that are already known to both speaker and listener. They're equivalent to "the" in English.
Forms of Definite Articles
The definite article changes based on the gender and number of the noun:
Definite Articles
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | el | the (masc. sing.) |
| Feminine singular | la | the (fem. sing.) |
| Masculine plural | los | the (masc. pl.) |
| Feminine plural | las | the (fem. pl.) |
el profesor (the male teacher)
the male teacher
la profesora (the female teacher)
the female teacher
los estudiantes (the male/mixed students)
the male/mixed students
las estudiantes (the female students)
the female students
When to Use Definite Articles
Use definite articles when referring to:
1. Specific, known objects:
2. Abstract concepts and general statements:
3. Languages (when they are the subject):
4. Days of the week (except after ser):
5. Body parts and clothing (often with reflexive verbs):
La casa de María es grande.
Maria's house is big. (specific house)
El amor es importante.
Love is important. (abstract concept)
El español es fácil.
Spanish is easy. (language as subject)
Los lunes trabajo.
On Mondays I work.
Me lavo las manos.
I wash my hands. (body parts)
Contractions with Definite Articles
Spanish has two mandatory contractions with definite articles:
a + el = al (to the)
de + el = del (of/from the)
Note: These contractions only occur with el, not with la, los, or las.
Voy al cine. (a + el = al)
I'm going to the cinema.
Vengo del trabajo. (de + el = del)
I'm coming from work.
Hablo a la profesora. (no contraction)
I speak to the teacher.
Indefinite Articles (A/An)
Indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas) refer to non-specific nouns or introduce new information. They're equivalent to "a/an" (singular) or "some" (plural) in English.
Forms of Indefinite Articles
The indefinite article also agrees with gender and number:
Indefinite Articles
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | un | a/an (masc.) |
| Feminine singular | una | a/an (fem.) |
| Masculine plural | unos | some (masc.) |
| Feminine plural | unas | some (fem.) |
un libro interesante
an interesting book
una mesa grande
a big table
unos amigos simpáticos
some nice friends
unas flores bonitas
some beautiful flowers
When to Use Indefinite Articles
Use indefinite articles when:
1. Introducing something new or non-specific:
2. Expressing quantity (some):
3. With professions (after ser):
4. In exclamations:
Necesito un coche.
I need a car. (any car)
Compré unas manzanas.
I bought some apples.
Soy una doctora.
I am a doctor.
¡Qué una sorpresa!
What a surprise!
When to Omit Indefinite Articles
Unlike English, Spanish often omits indefinite articles in certain cases:
1. With professions after ser (sometimes):
2. After prepositions in some expressions:
3. With certain verbs like tener, hay:
4. In negative sentences with no:
Es profesor. (or: Es un profesor)
He is a teacher.
Trabajo sin computadora.
I work without a computer.
No tengo coche.
I don't have a car.
Article Agreement Rules
Spanish articles must always agree with the gender and number of the noun they modify. This agreement is essential and affects the entire noun phrase.
Examples
el problema difícil → los problemas difíciles
the difficult problem → the difficult problems
una estudiante inteligente → unas estudiantes inteligentes
an intelligent student → some intelligent students
la información importante → las informaciones importantes
the important information → the important pieces of information
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are frequent errors Spanish learners make with articles:
1. Forgetting gender agreement:
❌ *la problema* → ✅ el problema
2. Using definite articles with general statements incorrectly:
❌ *Me gusta el chocolate* (correct, but learners often omit it)
3. Forgetting contractions:
❌ *Voy a el cine* → ✅ Voy al cine
4. Using articles with proper names:
❌ *El Juan* → ✅ Juan
Examples
Me gusta el café.
I like coffee. (in general)
Voy al supermercado.
I'm going to the supermarket.
María es mi hermana.
María is my sister. (no article with names)