Uses of the Definite Article
Spanish: Cambridge International GCSE, topic 11.1.2
Uses of the Definite Article
Before a specific noun
- This is the same use as in English, when the noun is very specific.
- Londres es la capital de Inglaterra.
- London is the capital of England.
When a noun is used in a general sense
- Me gustan las frutas.
- I like fruit.
With countries and places
- In Spanish they tend to omit the article with countries but three must have the definite article.
- El Reino Unido, Los Países Bajos, El Salvador.
- The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, El Salvador.
- Vivo en la Plaza Mayor.
- I live in the Plaza Mayor.
- El Océano Indico.
- The Indian Ocean.
With times, dates and periods
- The definite article is used for days of the week and dates.
- El partido es el miércoles. (The match is on Wednesday).
- Mi cumpleaños es el 12 de enero. (My birthday is the 12th of January).
- When you are referring to a time period.
- El año que viene.(Next year).
- When talking about the time of day.
- Son las cinco y media. (It is five thirty).
Test yourself on Uses of the Definite Article
¿Qué hora es?
How do you say 'last week' in Spanish?