Learning Spanish - Using the Indefinite Article

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What is an Article

An article is a word that specifies the definiteness of a noun. Examples:

  • a (indefinite)
  • the (definite)
  • that (demonstrative)
  • this (demonstrative)
  • my (possessive)
  • his (possessive)
  • all (quantifier)

Spanish has some different cases from English so it’s important to learn the distinguishing features and when it’s appropriate to use.

Definiteness

The definiteness is defined as whether you’re referring to a specific entity or something in general.

Are we talking about a dog/some dogs? Or are we referring the dog/dogs?

Spanish Indefinite Article

  • un/una
  • unos/unas

Yo quiero comer un sándwich de queso en el almuerzo

I want to eat a cheese sandwich for lunch. Let’s make it because it did not exist.

Yo quiero unas manzanas

I want some apples. Not sure which ones but I need apples in my life.

Spanish Definite Article

  • el/la
  • los/las

Yo quiero comer el sándwich de queso en el almuerzo

I want to eat the cheese sandwich for lunch. That specific one we’ve been talking about and has been made.

Yo quiero las manzanas

I want to eat the apples. Yes, the ones you picked yesterday, what other apples would I be talking about.

When to Use the Indefinite Article

Describing A Person With A Noun

Mi hermano es un pollo

My brother is a chicken (same as English).

Mi padres son unos genio

My parents are […] geniuses.

Describe Approximations

Tengo unos perros

I have some dogs. I lost count.

Necesitamos unas guitarras.

We need a few guitars. Maybe any at all.

When Not to Use the Indefinite Article

Describe Unknown Amounts

¿Hay queso en el sándwich?

Is there any cheese in the sandwich?

Describing Professions, Nationality, Religion

Soy medico

I am a doctor

Él es católico

He is a Catholic.

Ellos son americanos

They are the Americans American.