Indefinite Articles
Spanish: AQA A Level, topic 12.1.2
Nouns
The indefinite article is used to describe when there isn't an exact number of the thing. There are four forms: masculine singular and plural and feminine singular and plural.
Masculine singular
- If a noun is singular and masculine it uses the indefinite article of 'un'.
- Most masculine singular nouns will end in an 'o'.
- Un perro (🐕) - a dog.
- Un niño - a child.
- Un casamiento - a wedding.
Masculine plural
- If a noun is plural and masculine it uses the indefinite article of 'unos'.
- Most masculine plural nouns will end in 'os'.
- Unos gatos (🐈) - some cats.
- Unos casamientos - some weddings.
- Unos compañeros - some friends.
Feminine singular
- If a noun is singular and feminine it uses the indefinite article of 'una'.
- Most feminine singular nouns will end in 'a'.
- Una mesa - a table.
- Una fecha - a date.
- Una semana - a week.
Feminine plural
- If a noun is plural and feminine it uses the definite article of 'unas'.
- Most feminine plural nouns will end in'as'.
- Unas casas - some houses.
- Unas cajas - some boxes.
- Unas mentiras - some lies.
Uses of the Indefinite Article
The indefinite article is only used in one scenario.
When referring to a non-specific element
- 'A/an' is the indefinite article in English.
- For plural nouns it is 'some/any'.
- Tengo un examen. - I have an exam.
- The exam is not specific rather a biology exam it is just an exam.
- Tiene unas cuantas preguntas. - He has some questions.
Test yourself on Indefinite Articles
What is the plural of 'Un perro' in Spanish?
How do you say 'an ice cream' in Spanish?
¿Cómo dirías 'some potatoes' en español?