Spanish Articles

Spanish articles (artículos) are words that introduce nouns and indicate whether the noun is specific (definite articles: el, la, los, las) or non-specific (indefinite articles: un, una, unos, unas). Spanish articles must agree with their nouns in both gender and number. Articles are used more frequently in Spanish than in English.

Key Characteristics

Gender Agreement

Articles must match the gender of their noun: "el libro" (masculine), "la casa" (feminine).

Number Agreement

Articles also match in number: "el libro" (singular), "los libros" (plural).

More Frequent Than English

Spanish requires articles in many situations where English doesn't, especially with abstract nouns and generalizations.

Contractions Required

When "a" or "de" meet "el," they must contract: a + el = al, de + el = del.

Visual Examples

Explore these articles with images and audio pronunciation from our visual dictionary.

A young boy pointing specifically to a single red book on a wooden table, illustrating how 'el' is used to talk about 'the' specific book.

el

the

A single, beautiful blue butterfly resting on a green leaf, representing the Spanish word 'la' used with a feminine noun like 'la mariposa' (the butterfly).

la

the

Three vibrant red roses in a simple glass vase, representing the use of 'las' for multiple feminine nouns.

las

the

Several blue books stacked neatly, representing the masculine plural objects that 'los' refers to as 'the'.

los

the

A single, simple brown book sitting on a wooden table, representing the Spanish word 'un' which means 'a' or 'an'.

un

A single, red apple sitting on a wooden table, representing the concept of 'an apple' or 'una manzana'.

una

A small pile of several brightly colored, distinct leather shoes scattered neatly on a polished wooden floor.

unos

some

lo

how

Types of Articles

Definite Articles

Refer to specific nouns (the)

the (masculine singular)

the (feminine singular)

los

the (masculine plural)

las

the (feminine plural)

Indefinite Articles

Refer to non-specific nouns (a, an, some)

a, an (masculine)

una

a, an (feminine)

unos

some (masculine)

unas

some (feminine)

Neuter Article

Used with abstract concepts

the (neuter - for abstract ideas)

Formation Rules

Use el with feminine nouns starting with stressed a- or ha-

el agua → the water (even though agua is feminine)

el águila → the eagle

Mandatory contractions with prepositions

Voy al (a + el) parque → I go to the park

Vengo del (de + el) cine → I come from the movies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Omitting articles where Spanish requires them

✓ Spanish uses articles with abstract nouns, generalizations, and languages.

✗ Me gusta música | ✓ Me gusta la música (I like music)

❌ Using la with feminine nouns starting with stressed a-

✓ Use el with these nouns for pronunciation, but they're still feminine.

✗ la agua | ✓ el agua (but: el agua fría - feminine adjective)

❌ Forgetting contractions

✓ Always contract a + el = al and de + el = del.

✗ Voy a el mercado | ✓ Voy al mercado (I go to the market)

How Spanish Articles Differ from English

Frequency of Use

English: "I like music." Spanish: "Me gusta la música." Spanish uses articles more often, especially with abstract concepts.

Gender Agreement

English "the" works with any noun. Spanish articles must match noun gender: el/la.

Pro Tips for Using Articles

💡 Use definite articles with languages when they're subjects

Example: El español es difícil (Spanish is difficult) - but: Hablo español (no article)

💡 Use definite articles with body parts and clothing

Example: Me duele la cabeza (My head hurts) - not "mi cabeza"

Browse All 8 Spanish Articles

Explore our complete collection of Spanish articles, organized by CEFR proficiency level. Click any word to see detailed definitions, usage examples, and pronunciation guides.