What are the definite and indefinite articles in Spanish?
Study how to use the definite and indefinite articles in Spanish. Learn Spanish grammar with online lessons. Vocabulary translation from English to Spanish with words and phrases.
Definite and Indefinite Articles (Artículos Definido e Indefinido)
The difference between definite articles and indefinite articles can be observed in the following two sentences:
Dame la galleta – Give methe cookie. Dame una galleta – Give me a cookie, please.
The difference between the definite and indefinite articles is the difference between talking about a specific cookie, or any cookie.
la galleta – the cookie una galleta – a cookie
Note: The definite article has 4 forms, depending on whether the noun is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural.
Singular Masculine – Plural Masculine
el – los
Singular Feminine – Plural Feminine
la – las
e.g. “gato” (cat)
Singular Masculine – Plural Masculine
El gato (the male cat) – Los gatos(the male cats)
Singular Feminine – Plural Feminine
La gata (the female cat)– Las gatas(the female cats)
Note: The masculine plural definite and indefinite articles (los, unos) are also used to indicate a group of mixed sex. Thus, “los gatos” could refer to a group of 20 male cats, or it could refer to a group of 19 female cats and one male cat.
In English, the indefinite article is the word “a”, “an” or “some”
una galleta – a cookie una manzana – an apple unos libros – some books
Note: The indefinite article has 4 forms, depending on whether the noun is masculine, feminine, singular or plural.
Singular Masculine – Plural Masculine
un – unos
Singular Feminine – Plural Feminine
una – unas
e.g. “perro” (dog)
Singular Masculine – Plural Masculine
Un perro (a male dog) – Unos perros(some male dogs)
Singular Feminine – Plural Feminine
Una perra (a female dog) – Unas perras (some female dogs)
Note: As long as the group of creatures has at least one male member, the masculine plural article is used.
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In this Spanish category, you will find the translation of words and phrases in Spanish, with many sentences that will help you determine how each phrase or word is applied.
Here are several infographics if you are looking to learn or teach the basic Spanish vocabulary for foreigners. Learn basic Spanish. Videos and resources to learn basic Spanish, Spanish for beginners.
Here are several infographics if you are looking to learn or teach the basic Spanish vocabulary for foreigners. Learn basic Spanish. Videos and resources to learn basic Spanish, Spanish for beginners.
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Spanish to Go offers introductory courses you can take to learn Spanish online at your own pace. Whether you are learning Spanish to study or because you want to travel to a Spanish-speaking country. Find online courses to learn grammar, and basic Spanish.
Spanish to Go offers introductory courses you can take to learn Spanish online at your own pace. Whether you are learning Spanish to study or because you want to travel to a Spanish-speaking country. Find online courses to learn grammar, and basic Spanish.
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