How to Say "an" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “an” is “un” — use 'un' before a masculine noun that starts with a vowel sound..
un
/oon//un/
Examples
Tengo un árbol grande.
I have a big tree.
Tengo un perro.
I have a dog.
Necesito un bolígrafo nuevo.
I need a new pen.
Era un día soleado y perfecto.
It was a sunny and perfect day.
Your Go-To Word for 'A' or 'An'
Think of 'un' as the Spanish version of 'a' or 'an'. You use it to introduce a single, masculine thing that hasn't been mentioned before.
Choosing 'Un' vs. 'Una'
'Un' is the partner for masculine words (like 'un libro' for a book). For feminine words, you'll use its partner, 'una' (like 'una casa' for a house).
Forgetting to Match
Mistake: “Quiero un manzana.”
Correction: Quiero una manzana. 'Manzana' (apple) is a feminine word, so it needs the feminine partner 'una', not 'un'.
una
/oo-nah//ˈuna/
Examples
Tengo una idea.
I have an idea.
Tengo una pregunta.
I have a question.
Compré una casa grande.
I bought a big house.
Necesito una idea.
I need an idea.
Choosing 'Un' or 'Una'
Use 'una' before things that are considered 'feminine' in Spanish, like 'una casa' (a house) or 'una mesa' (a table). Use its partner, 'un', for 'masculine' things.
The 'Una' to 'Un' Switch
To make pronunciation easier, Spanish sometimes changes 'una' to 'un' right before a feminine word that starts with a stressed 'a-' or 'ha-' sound, like 'un águila' (an eagle), even though 'águila' is a feminine word.
Forgetting to Match
Mistake: “Tengo un problema y un solución.”
Correction: Tengo un problema y una solución. The word 'solución' is feminine, so it needs 'una', not 'un'.
Gender Agreement is Key
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