Spanish grammar: artículos definidos e indefinidos

What this grammar point covers

In Spanish, definite and indefinite articles are small words placed before nouns to show if you are talking about something specific or something general.

When to use it

Use definite articles (el, la, los, las) when you talk about something specific or known. Use indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas) when you talk about something general or not specific.

Key forms

• el (masculine singular definite)
• la (feminine singular definite)
• los (masculine plural definite)
• las (feminine plural definite)
• un (masculine singular indefinite)
• una (feminine singular indefinite)
• unos (masculine plural indefinite)
• unas (feminine plural indefinite)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to match the article with the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun.
• In Spanish, you often use the definite article with general categories (like 'Me gusta el chocolate').
• Do not use an article before names of people.

Exceptions and edge cases

• When a feminine singular noun starts with a stressed 'a' sound, use 'el' instead of 'la' (e.g., 'el agua').