Articles
8 exercise sets available
Grammar Explanation
Articles (artículos) in Spanish are small words placed before a noun to indicate its definiteness or indefiniteness. There are two types of articles: definite articles (el, la, los, las) meaning 'the', and indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas) meaning 'a', 'an', or 'some'. The use of articles helps clarify whether you are talking about a specific item or any item in general.
Articles in Spanish must agree with the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun they accompany. For example, 'el' is used for masculine, singular nouns, while 'las' is for feminine, plural nouns. Spanish almost always uses articles with nouns, even where English might not (e.g., talking about general things or abstract concepts), and articles often appear before people's titles or with days of the week.
Examples
- •“El libro está en la mesa.”
- •“Una manzana es saludable.”
- •“Los estudiantes llegan temprano.”
- •“Las casas son grandes.”
- •“Unos perros corren en el parque.”
- •“Unas chicas cantan en la fiesta.”
- •“Me gusta el chocolate.”
- •“La profesora es simpática.”
Tips
- 💡Remember: el/los = masculine, la/las = feminine; un/unos = masculine, una/unas = feminine.
- 💡Do not use an article for professions after 'ser', e.g., 'Soy profesor' (not 'Soy un profesor').
- 💡Spanish often uses the definite article with general concepts (like 'El amor es importante' - 'Love is important').
- 💡A good mnemonic: 'A noun needs its hat!' – articles are like hats that nouns almost always wear in Spanish.
- 💡Be careful not to confuse 'el' (the) with 'él' (he) – the accent makes a big difference.
Exercises to practice the use of definite and indefinite articles in Spanish. Learn to choose the correct article according to gender and number.
Practice
These exercises practice the correct use of definite and indefinite articles in simple sentences.
Practice
Exercises to practice the correct use of definite and indefinite articles in Spanish in different contexts.
Practice
Practice using definite and indefinite articles in formal and complex contexts, with special attention to agreement and abstract functions.
Practice
Practice the precise use of definite and indefinite articles in Spanish in formal, academic, and professional contexts at an advanced level.
Practice
Practice the correct choice of definite and indefinite articles in Spanish in formal, philosophical, and highly complex literary contexts.
Practice
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