la
/la/
Just like 'the' in English, 'la' points to a specific feminine thing, like 'la mariposa' (the butterfly).
la (Article)
📝 In Action
La casa es roja.
A1The house is red.
Quiero la manzana, por favor.
A1I want the apple, please.
La vida es bella.
A2Life is beautiful.
💡 Grammar Points
The Feminine 'The'
'La' is the Spanish word for 'the' that you use with singular nouns that are considered 'feminine'. For example, 'casa' (house) is feminine, so you say 'la casa'.
Matching the Noun
In Spanish, the word for 'the' must match the noun it describes. Use 'la' for one feminine thing, 'las' for multiple feminine things, 'el' for one masculine thing, and 'los' for multiple masculine things.
The 'el agua' Exception
For feminine nouns that start with a stressed 'a' sound, like 'agua' (water), you use 'el' instead of 'la' to make it sound better: 'el agua'. But it's still a feminine word: 'el agua fría' (the cold water).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "Me gusta el casa."
Correction: Me gusta la casa. The word 'casa' is feminine, so it needs the feminine article 'la'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Used More Than in English
Spanish often uses articles like 'la' where English wouldn't. For example, when talking about general concepts ('la paciencia es una virtud' - patience is a virtue) or with titles ('la doctora Ramírez').
'La' can also replace a feminine noun to mean 'her' or 'it', as in 'La veo' (I see her/it).
la (Pronoun)
📝 In Action
¿Conoces a Ana? Sí, la conozco.
A2Do you know Ana? Yes, I know her.
Compré la camisa ayer y ya la perdí.
A2I bought the shirt yesterday and I already lost it.
Señora, ¿la puedo ayudar?
B1Ma'am, can I help you?
Quiero verla mañana.
B1I want to see her tomorrow.
💡 Grammar Points
Replacing a Noun
This 'la' is a shortcut. Instead of repeating a feminine noun, you can replace it with 'la'. For example, instead of 'Veo a la chica', you can say 'La veo' (I see her).
Where Does It Go?
Usually, 'la' goes right before the action word (the verb). 'La llamo' (I call her). With commands or two-verb phrases, you can attach it to the end: '¡Llámala!' (Call her!) or 'Voy a llamarla' (I'm going to call her).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'la' and 'le'
Mistake: "La doy un regalo a mi mamá."
Correction: Le doy un regalo a mi mamá. Use 'la' for who/what *receives the direct action* (I see HER). Use 'le' for who/what something is done *to* or *for* (I give a gift TO HER).
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound More Natural
Using pronouns like 'la' is key to sounding fluent. Instead of saying 'Yo compro la pizza y como la pizza', a native speaker would say 'Yo compro la pizza y la como' (I buy the pizza and I eat it).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: la
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'la' to mean 'her' or 'it'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'la' and 'el'?
'La' and 'el' both mean 'the'. You use 'la' before singular feminine nouns (la mesa - the table), and 'el' before singular masculine nouns (el libro - the book). Spanish nouns have a gender, and the article has to match!
When do I use 'la' vs. 'le'?
This is a tricky one! Use 'la' when it means 'her' or 'it' and is the direct target of an action (e.g., 'La veo' - I see her). Use 'le' when it means '(to) her' and is the indirect recipient (e.g., 'Le doy un libro' - I give a book TO her).
Why do you say 'el agua' if 'agua' is a feminine word?
Great question! It's for sound. Feminine words that start with a stressed 'a' or 'ha' sound use 'el' to prevent the two 'a' sounds from blending together ('la agua' sounds awkward). But the word is still feminine, so any descriptive words must be feminine too: 'el agua fría' (the cold water).