alas
AH-lahs
📝 In Action
Las aves extienden sus alas antes de despegar.
A1The birds extend their wings before taking off.
El avión tiene alas muy grandes para un vuelo tan corto.
A2The plane has very large wings for such a short flight.
El entrenador reforzó las alas de su equipo para el contraataque.
B1The coach strengthened the flanks (wings) of his team for the counterattack.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun, Masculine Article (Singular)
The singular form, 'ala,' is a feminine word, but because it starts with a stressed 'A' sound, we use the masculine article 'el' (el ala) instead of 'la' to make it easier to say. In the plural, we use the correct feminine article: 'las alas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article in plural
Mistake: "Los alas"
Correction: Las alas. Remember, the word is feminine, and in the plural, it takes the standard feminine article 'las'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
You can use 'alas' metaphorically to talk about freedom, speed, or inspiration, like 'tener alas' (to have wings/to be free).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: alas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'alas' as an expression of disappointment?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the singular form use 'el' if 'alas' is feminine?
This is a special rule in Spanish for feminine nouns that start with a strongly stressed 'A' sound. To make the pronunciation smoother, the singular article changes from 'la' to 'el' (e.g., el agua, el águila). However, the word is still feminine, which you see when you make it plural: 'las alas'.
Is the interjection '¡Alas!' common in modern Spanish?
Not really. It is generally considered old-fashioned, dramatic, or literary. In everyday conversation, Spanish speakers use phrases like '¡Qué pena!' (What a shame!) or '¡Qué lástima!' (What a pity!) instead.