Indefinite articles are words used before nouns to indicate that the noun refers to a non-specific or general item. In Spanish, indefinite articles correspond to "a," "an," or "some" in English.
Forms of Indefinite Articles
Indefinite articles in Spanish change according to the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun they modify.
| Number | Masculine | Feminine |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | un | una |
| Plural | unos | unas |
- un = a / an (masculine singular)
- una = a / an (feminine singular)
- unos = some (masculine plural)
- unas = some (feminine plural)
Note: Unlike English, Spanish indefinite articles have plural forms (unos, unas), which mean "some" or "a few."
Usage of Indefinite Articles
. Singular Indefinite Articles (un, una)
Use un or una to mean "a" or "an" when referring to a singular, countable noun that is not specific.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Quiero una manzana. | I want an apple. |
| Necesito un lápiz. | I need a pencil. |
. Plural Indefinite Articles (unos, unas)
Use unos or unas to mean "some" when referring to a plural, countable noun that is not specific.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Compré unas naranjas. | I bought some oranges. |
| Vieron unos perros en el parque. | They saw some dogs in the park. |
. Indefinite Articles with Professions and Nationalities
When using nouns of profession, nationality, or social status without adjectives, Spanish often omits the indefinite article.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Ella es profesora. | She is a teacher. |
| Él es mexicano. | He is Mexican. |
But if there is an adjective, the article is required:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Ella es una profesora excelente. | She is an excellent teacher. |
| Él es un mexicano famoso. | He is a famous Mexican. |
. Indefinite Articles with Quantifiers
Indefinite articles can be used with certain quantifiers (like cuánto/a, qué, or tal) in questions or exclamations.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Cuánto cuesta un libro? | How much does a book cost? |
| ¡Qué buena pinta tiene una sopa! | What a good-looking soup! |
Summary
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| un / una | Singular indefinite articles meaning "a" or "an" |
| unos / unas | Plural indefinite articles meaning "some" |
| Agreement | Articles must agree in gender and number with the noun |
| Omission | Articles are omitted before singular nouns of profession/nationality without adjectives |
| Usage | Use with non-specific, countable nouns |
Indefinite articles help you talk about things in a general, non-specific way. Remember to match the article to the noun’s gender and number!
When should you use indefinite articles in Spanish?
Use them with non-specific, countable nouns
Indefinite articles are used when referring to nouns in a general, non-specific way, and the noun must be countable.
She is an excellent teacher.
Ella es una profesora excelente.
If there is an adjective, the indefinite article must be included.
Flashcards (1 of 10)
- English: I want an apple.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
