las
/lahs/
Just like 'the' in English, 'las' points to specific things. We use 'las' for groups of feminine nouns, like 'las rosas' (the roses).
las (Article)
📝 In Action
Las casas son blancas.
A1The houses are white.
¿Dónde están las llaves del coche?
A1Where are the car keys?
Me encantan las películas de comedia.
A2I love comedy movies.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Match the Noun
In Spanish, the word for 'the' must match the noun it describes. Use 'las' for groups of things that are considered feminine, like 'casas' (houses) or 'mesas' (tables).
Used More Than in English
Spanish often uses 'las' where English doesn't use 'the', especially when talking about things in general. For example, 'Me gustan las manzanas' means 'I like apples'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'las' and 'los'
Mistake: "Me gustan los casas."
Correction: Me gustan las casas. The word 'casas' is feminine, so it needs the feminine word 'las', not the masculine 'los'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Telling Time
You always use 'las' to tell time for any hour except one o'clock. For example, 'Son las dos' (It's two o'clock) or 'Nos vemos a las cinco' (See you at five).
Here, 'las' is a shortcut for 'them' when you're talking about feminine people or things. It replaces their names to avoid repeating yourself.
las (Pronoun)
📝 In Action
¿Ves a mis hermanas? Sí, las veo.
A2Do you see my sisters? Yes, I see them.
Compré unas manzanas y las puse en la mesa.
A2I bought some apples and I put them on the table.
Tengo tus cartas; voy a leerlas esta noche.
B1I have your letters; I'm going to read them tonight.
💡 Grammar Points
Where Does It Go?
This 'las' usually comes right before the action word (the verb). For example, 'Las compro' (I buy them). It can also attach to the end of some verb forms, like 'Voy a comprarlas' (I'm going to buy them).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'las' with 'les'
Mistake: "Les vi en el parque."
Correction: Las vi en el parque. Use 'las' when 'they' are the direct target of the action (I saw *them*). Use 'les' for actions done 'to them' or 'for them' (I gave a gift *to them* -> Les di un regalo).
⭐ Usage Tips
Answering Questions Quickly
This pronoun is perfect for short answers. If someone asks '¿Compraste las entradas?' (Did you buy the tickets?), you can simply say 'Sí, las compré' (Yes, I bought them).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: las
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'las' to mean 'them'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two meanings for 'las'? It's confusing!
It's a great question! Think of the second meaning ('them') as a clever shortcut for the first ('the'). Instead of saying 'I see the girls. I will call the girls,' Spanish shortens it to 'I see the girls. I will call them' ('Veo a las chicas. Las voy a llamar'). Both uses of 'las' are pointing to the same feminine, plural group.
How do I know if a word needs 'los' or 'las'?
You have to know if the noun is masculine or feminine. Most nouns ending in '-a' are feminine and will use 'la' or 'las' (like 'casa' -> 'las casas'). Most nouns ending in '-o' are masculine and use 'el' or 'los' (like 'libro' -> 'los libros'). There are exceptions, but this is a great starting point!