Introduction to Definite Articles
In Spanish, definite articles are words used to specify a particular noun that is known to both the speaker and the listener. They translate to the English word "the." Their use depends on the gender and number of the noun they modify.
Gender and Number Agreement
Definite articles must agree in gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) with the noun they accompany. This means you will change the article depending on whether the noun is masculine or feminine and singular or plural.
Spanish Definite Articles
The four main definite articles in Spanish are el, la, los, and las.
- El is used with singular masculine nouns.
- La is used with singular feminine nouns.
- Los is used with plural masculine or mixed gender nouns.
- Las is used with plural feminine nouns.
Examples of Definite Articles Usage
Definite articles are often used before specific things, generalizations, or abstract concepts when these are known or defined.
| Spanish Article | English Equivalent | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| el | the (masculine singular) | El perro está en el jardín. | The dog is in the garden. |
| la | the (feminine singular) | La casa es grande. | The house is big. |
| los | the (masculine plural) | Los libros están en la mesa. | The books are on the table. |
| las | the (feminine plural) | Las flores son bonitas. | The flowers are beautiful. |
Special Notes on Usage
- Sometimes el is used before a feminine noun that starts with a stressed 'a' or 'ha' sound to make pronunciation easier. For example, el agua (the water) instead of la agua.
- Definite articles are used more frequently in Spanish than in English, especially before days of the week, body parts, and with titles.
