In this article we will have a look at the differences between definite and indefinite articles in Spanish and will give you some useful tips how to use them correctly in a speech. Articles are always a tricky part of grammar, no matter what language you study. Even if the Spanish articles are very similar to articles in English, sometimes their usage doesn’t match up and causes problems to students of Spanish.
We use indefinite articles un, una, unos, unas to talk about something new.
Tengo un gato y un perro. – I have a cat and dog.
The definite articles el, la, los, las, on the other hand, are used to talk about something already known to the listener.
El gato se llama Bubi y el perro se llama Ben. – The cat is called Bubi and the dog is called Ben.
Indefinite articles are used to talk about someone or something as a part of a group.
Necesito alquilar un piso. – I need to rent a flat. (any flat)
He visto una comedia. – I have seen a comedy. (I don’t say which comedy, there are many comedies.)
Valencia es una ciudad en España. – Valencia is a city in Spain. (There are many cities in Spain.)
Definite articles are used to talk about a specific person, animal or thing in a concrete situation.
Los loros son muy bonitos. – The parrots are very nice. (The parrots that my friend has.)
Necesito vender el piso. – I need to sell the flat. (It’s my flat.)
Valencia es la capital de la Comunidad Valenciana. – Valencia is the capital of the Valencian Comnunity. (The Valencian community has only one capital.)
We use indefinite articles to indicate quantity.
Un café, por favor. – One coffee, please.
He comprado unos libros. – I’ve bought some books.
Definite articles are used to talk about something in general.
Me encanta el café. – I love coffee.
Los colombianos hablan español. – The Colombians speak Spanish.
Masculine article with feminine nouns
Be careful with singular feminine nouns that start with a or ha. In this case we use the article el (un), not la (una). For example: un águila, el águila; un alma, el alma. However, in plural the feminine article unas (las) is used (unas águilas, las águilas; unas almas, las almas).
Contractions del and al
The article el is abbreviated when used with prepositions a (to) and de (of):
Jorge juega al tenis. – Jorge plays tennis. (a + el = al)
El hijo del médico está enfermo. – The son of the doctor is ill. (de + el = del)
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