A1 Nouns & Articles 14 min read Easy

Indefinite Articles: a, an, some (un, una, unos, unas)

Match un, una, unos, or unas to your noun's gender and quantity to sound like a natural speaker.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas) must match the gender and number of the noun they describe.

  • Use 'un' for masculine singular nouns: 'un libro' (a book).
  • Use 'una' for feminine singular nouns: 'una mesa' (a table).
  • Use 'unos'/'unas' for plural nouns: 'unos gatos' (some cats), 'unas sillas' (some chairs).
Article (un/una/unos/unas) + Noun

Overview

Spanish indefinite articles—un, una, unos, and unas—function similarly to "a," "an," or "some" in English. They serve to introduce a noun that is either non-specific, previously unmentioned, or one among several of its kind. Unlike English, where "a" and "an" only distinguish based on phonetics, Spanish indefinite articles explicitly convey the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun they precede.

This explicit agreement is fundamental to Spanish grammar. For example, when you say un amigo (a friend), you're introducing a male friend for the first time, or referring to any male friend. Conversely, una amiga (a friend) specifies a female friend.

These articles are essential for constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences in Spanish, avoiding the fragmented speech pattern of omitting them.

How This Grammar Works

The core mechanism of Spanish indefinite articles is agreement. Every noun in Spanish possesses an inherent grammatical gender (masculine or feminine) and can be singular or plural. The indefinite article must match the noun's gender and number.
This is a crucial difference from English, which primarily uses "a" for singular and omits articles or uses "some" for plural, without gender distinction. This agreement provides clarity and linguistic harmony, ensuring that all parts of a noun phrase (article + noun) are concordant. For instance, un libro (a book) uses un because libro is a singular masculine noun.
Unas casas (some houses) uses unas because casas is a plural feminine noun. This system ensures that listeners immediately receive information about the noun's characteristics from the article itself, even before hearing the noun. It's a foundational element of Spanish noun phrases, establishing grammatical cohesion that permeates the entire sentence structure.

Formation Pattern

1
Choosing the correct indefinite article involves a straightforward two-step process: identify the noun's gender and its number. Once these two characteristics are determined, the appropriate article can be selected from the paradigm below. This process ensures consistent grammatical agreement within the noun phrase.
2
| Noun Gender | Noun Number | Indefinite Article |
3
|:-----------:|:-----------:|:------------------:|
4
| Masculine | Singular | un |
5
| Feminine | Singular | una |
6
| Masculine | Plural | unos |
7
| Feminine | Plural | unas |
8
To apply this pattern: first, check if the noun refers to one item (singular) or multiple (plural). Then, determine if it is masculine or feminine. For example, for the noun coche (car), you identify it as singular and masculine, leading to un coche. For flores (flowers), you identify it as plural and feminine, leading to unas flores. This systematic approach is critical for accurate article selection. Remember that un is always used before a masculine singular noun; never use uno in this context. Uno functions as a numeral or pronoun, but not as an indefinite article preceding a noun.

Gender & Agreement

Gender agreement is paramount for Spanish indefinite articles. Nouns in Spanish are either masculine or feminine. While many follow predictable patterns (e.g., nouns ending in -o are often masculine, like el libro, and nouns ending in -a are often feminine, like la casa), there are important exceptions.
The indefinite article must always reflect the noun's gender. So, for mesa (table), which is feminine, you use una mesa. For teléfono (telephone), which is masculine, you use un teléfono.
This agreement extends to plural forms: unos zapatos (some shoes) for masculine plural nouns, and unas botellas (some bottles) for feminine plural nouns. Mastery of noun gender is thus intrinsically linked to correct article usage.
There is a notable phonetic exception for feminine singular nouns beginning with a stressed a- or ha- sound. To avoid an awkward repetition of the 'a' sound (a vocalic clash), the masculine singular article un is used instead of una. The noun itself, however, remains feminine.
For example:
  • agua (water) is feminine (el agua in singular definite form, las aguas in plural definite). When using an indefinite article, you say un agua fría (a cold water), not una agua fría. In the plural, it reverts to unas aguas (some waters).
  • hacha (axe) is feminine. You say un hacha afilada (a sharp axe), not una hacha afilada. In the plural, it becomes unas hachas.
This phonological rule is crucial for natural pronunciation and applies only to the singular indefinite article. The adjective modifying these nouns will still agree in feminine form (fría, afilada), confirming the noun's underlying feminine gender. Understanding this exception prevents common mispronunciations and demonstrates a deeper grasp of Spanish phonetic principles.

When To Use It

Indefinite articles are employed in several distinct contexts to convey non-specificity or introduce new information.
  1. 1To Introduce a New, Non-Specific Noun: When you mention something for the first time, or when its identity is not yet known or relevant to the listener, you use an indefinite article. This signals that you're talking about an item, not the specific item. For example, Vi una película ayer (I saw a movie yesterday). The listener doesn't know which movie, and it's not important at this point.
  1. 1To Refer to Any Item of a Category: When you mean "any" or "one of many," indefinite articles are appropriate. If you're looking for a generic object, you'd use them. For instance, Necesito un bolígrafo (I need a pen) implies any pen, not a particular one. Similarly, ¿Hay una farmacia por aquí? (Is there a pharmacy around here?) seeks any pharmacy.
  1. 1To Mean "Some" or "A Few" (Plural Forms unos/unas): When you're talking about an unspecified quantity of plural nouns, unos or unas are used to mean "some" or "a few." This is especially common when you're not referring to all items of a kind but a limited, uncounted subset. For example, Tengo unos amigos en Madrid (I have some friends in Madrid). Or, Compré unas galletas (I bought some cookies). This differs from omitting the article, which often implies a general statement (e.g., Tengo amigos – I have friends, generally).
  1. 1To Express "Approximately" with Numbers: Unos and unas can precede numbers to indicate an approximate quantity. This usage provides flexibility and avoids absolute precision when it's not necessary or known. For instance, La reunión durará unos cuarenta minutos (The meeting will last about forty minutes). Or, Hay unas diez personas en la sala (There are about ten people in the room). This usage conveys an estimate, similar to "around" or "approximately."
When NOT to use indefinite articles:
  • With Professions (unmodified): When stating someone's profession, nationality, or religious affiliation without an adjective, you generally omit the indefinite article. For example, Soy estudiante (I am a student), not Soy un estudiante. However, if an adjective modifies the profession, the article is used: Soy un estudiante muy dedicado (I am a very dedicated student).
  • After ser followed by a noun that identifies category/group: Similar to professions, when ser is followed by a noun identifying a general characteristic or group, the article is usually omitted. Es abogado (He is a lawyer). Ella es católica (She is Catholic).
  • After tener (to have) or haber (to be/there is/are) when referring to an unspecified amount of something or abstract nouns: While tener often takes articles, in certain idiomatic expressions or when referring to basic needs/abstract concepts, it may not. Tengo hambre (I am hungry), not Tengo un hambre. Hay leche en el frigorífico (There is milk in the fridge), not Hay una leche (unless referring to a specific type of milk, e.g., una leche especial).
  • After sin (without) in many common expressions: Está sin trabajo (He is unemployed/without work), not Está sin un trabajo.
These specific contexts highlight how the absence of an article can be as grammatically significant as its presence, often signaling a more general or inherent quality.

Common Mistakes

Beginners frequently encounter predictable challenges with Spanish indefinite articles, primarily due to direct translation from English and the distinct grammatical structure of Spanish.
  1. 1The Uno vs. Un Error: This is perhaps the most common mistake. Learners often use uno (the numeral for one) instead of un (the indefinite article) before masculine singular nouns. Remember: uno is only used when counting or as a pronoun (e.g., Uno, dos, tres / Dame uno – Give me one). Before a masculine singular noun, it must be un. Incorrect: uno perro Correct: un perro (a dog).
  1. 1Ignoring Gender and Number Agreement: English uses a single "a" for all singular nouns. Spanish, however, demands agreement. Forgetting to match the article to the noun's gender and number leads to fundamental errors. Incorrect: un casa (combining masculine un with feminine casa) or unas libro (feminine plural unas with masculine singular libro). Correct: una casa (a house), unos libros (some books).
  1. 1Incorrect Article Usage with Professions: As discussed, when stating a profession, nationality, or affiliation without any modifying adjective, the indefinite article is omitted. Adding un or una in these cases sounds unnatural and clunky to a native speaker. Incorrect: Soy un médico (I am a doctor). Correct: Soy médico. However, if you add an adjective, the article reappears: Soy un médico muy ocupado (I am a very busy doctor).
  1. 1Misapplying the Stressed a- or ha- Rule: While the rule about using un before feminine singular nouns starting with stressed a- or ha- (e.g., un agua) is important, learners sometimes misapply it. Remember this applies only to the singular indefinite article for phonetic reasons. The noun remains feminine, and any adjectives must agree femininely. Furthermore, in the plural, unas is used normally (e.g., unas aguas). Misapplying this can lead to errors like un águila bonita when it should be un águila hermosa (a beautiful eagle), or attempting unos aguas instead of unas aguas.
  1. 1Confusing Unos/Unas with Algunos/Algunas: While unos/unas can mean "some" or "a few," algunos/algunas also translates to "some." The distinction is subtle: unos/unas tends to imply a more general, unspecific quantity, often introducing the idea of "a few of something." Algunos/algunas often implies a more deliberate selection or a part of a larger group. For A1 learners, starting with unos/unas for general "some" is usually sufficient, but understanding the nuance prevents confusion at later stages. For instance, Tengo unos amigos (I have some friends, general) vs. Algunos amigos vinieron a la fiesta (Some [specific] friends came to the party).
Addressing these common pitfalls proactively will solidify your understanding and make your Spanish sound significantly more natural.

Common Collocations

Certain phrases and expressions naturally pair with indefinite articles. Recognizing these collocations can greatly enhance fluency and naturalness, as they reflect how native speakers consistently use these articles.
  • Tener un problema: To have a problem. (e.g., Tengo un problema con mi coche. - I have a problem with my car.)
  • Hacer una pregunta: To ask a question. (e.g., Quiero hacerte una pregunta importante. - I want to ask you an important question.)
  • Dar un paseo: To take a walk/stroll. (e.g., Vamos a dar un paseo por el parque. - Let's take a walk through the park.)
  • Echar una siesta: To take a nap. (e.g., Después de comer, me gusta echar una siesta. - After eating, I like to take a nap.)
  • Poner una excusa: To make an excuse. (e.g., Siempre encuentra una excusa para no trabajar. - He always finds an excuse not to work.)
  • Tener una idea: To have an idea. (e.g., Tuve una idea brillante esta mañana. - I had a brilliant idea this morning.)
  • Comprar unos regalos: To buy some gifts. (e.g., Necesito comprar unos regalos para mi familia. - I need to buy some gifts for my family.)
  • Buscar un trabajo: To look for a job. (e.g., Estoy buscando un trabajo nuevo. - I am looking for a new job.)
  • Tomar una decisión: To make a decision. (e.g., Es hora de tomar una decisión. - It's time to make a decision.)
These fixed expressions often treat the noun as a non-specific instance of an action or concept, making the indefinite article the default choice. Learning these as complete units, rather than analyzing each word individually, is an effective strategy for integration into your active vocabulary. This approach mirrors how children acquire language, absorbing common patterns before dissecting grammatical rules.

Real Conversations

Indefinite articles are ubiquitous in everyday Spanish communication, appearing in various registers from casual chats to more formal exchanges. Observing their use in authentic contexts reveals their practical function.

Example 1 (Casual Chat):

- María: Hola, ¿qué tal? Vi un perro muy gracioso en el parque hoy. (Hi, how are you? I saw a very funny dog in the park today.)

- Juan: ¿Ah sí? Yo encontré unos auriculares perdidos cerca de mi casa. (Oh really? I found some lost headphones near my house.)

In this exchange, un perro introduces a new, non-specific dog into the conversation. Unos auriculares refers to a non-specific pair of headphones, indicating discovery rather than a known item.

Example 2 (Social Media Comment):

- Post: ¡Qué día tan bonito para un café en la terraza! (What a beautiful day for a coffee on the terrace!)

- Commenter 1: Totalmente de acuerdo. ¡Me apetece una tostada también! (Totally agree. I fancy a piece of toast too!)

Here, un café implies any coffee, a generic coffee experience. Una tostada similarly refers to a piece of toast, not a specific one, highlighting a general desire.

Example 3 (Work Email Excerpt):

- `Estimado equipo,

Necesitamos organizar una reunión para discutir los avances. Propongo unas fechas la próxima semana.

Saludos cordiales.`

(Dear team,

We need to organize a meeting to discuss progress. I propose some dates for next week.

Best regards.)

Una reunión introduces the idea of a meeting, whose specifics (time, agenda) are yet to be determined. Unas fechas refers to several possible, non-specific dates. This demonstrates the article's role in initiating a topic or proposing options without prior definition.

These examples underscore that indefinite articles are not merely theoretical grammar points but integral components of how native speakers communicate ideas, introduce subjects, and convey levels of specificity in their daily interactions. They are part of the natural rhythm and flow of spoken and written Spanish.

Quick FAQ

Q: When should I use uno instead of un?
A: Use uno as a numeral for 'one' (uno, dos, tres) or as a pronoun meaning 'one' when the noun is implied (¿Quieres un café? Sí, quiero uno.). You must use un when it functions as an indefinite article directly preceding a masculine singular noun (un coche).
Q: How do I know the gender of a Spanish noun?
A: There are general rules (e.g., nouns ending in -o are often masculine, in -a often feminine), but many exceptions exist. The best approach for an A1 learner is to learn each new noun with its corresponding definite article (el or la) from the outset, as this explicitly states its gender. For example, learn el libro and la mesa.
Q: Does unos always mean "some"?
A: Most often, yes, meaning "some" or "a few" when referring to plural nouns. However, unos (and unas) can also mean "approximately" when placed before numbers (unos diez minutos). The context will clarify the meaning.
Q: Why is it un águila if águila (eagle) is feminine?
A: This is for phonetic reasons. Águila is feminine, but it starts with a stressed a- sound. To prevent an awkward vowel clash with una, the masculine article un is used in the singular.
This only applies to the article; any adjectives modifying águila must still be feminine (e.g., un águila majestuosa). In the plural, it reverts to unas águilas.
Q: What's the main difference between indefinite (un/una) and definite (el/la) articles?
A: Indefinite articles (un/una) introduce something non-specific, new to the conversation, or one of many (like "a" or "an" in English). Definite articles (el/la) refer to something specific, already known, or previously mentioned (like "the" in English). For example, un libro (a book, any book) vs.
el libro (the specific book we're talking about).
Q: Are there regional differences in the use of indefinite articles?
A: No, the rules for indefinite articles (un, una, unos, unas) are remarkably consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions, including Spain and Latin America. This is a fundamental aspect of the language's grammar.
Q: Can I ever completely omit an article in Spanish where English would use "a" or "an"?
A: Yes, frequently. The most common instance for A1 learners is when stating professions, nationalities, or affiliations without an adjective (e.g., Soy estudiante). You also omit them in many negative sentences with no tener (e.g., No tengo coche - I don't have a car), or after prepositions like sin (e.g., sin trabajo).
Spanish is more flexible with article omission than English, often implying generality.

Indefinite Article Agreement

Gender Singular Plural
Masculine
un
unos
Feminine
una
unas

Meanings

Indefinite articles are used to introduce a noun that is not specific or previously mentioned.

1

Singular Indefinite

Refers to a single, non-specific item.

“Tengo un hermano.”

“Necesito una pluma.”

2

Plural Indefinite

Refers to a non-specific quantity (some/a few).

“Compré unos zapatos.”

“Hay unas manzanas en la mesa.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Indefinite Articles: a, an, some (un, una, unos, unas)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
un/una + noun
Tengo un libro.
Plural
unos/unas + noun
Tengo unos libros.
Negative
No + verb + un/una + noun
No tengo un libro.
Question
¿Verbo + un/una + noun?
¿Tienes un libro?
Masculine
un + noun (m)
un coche
Feminine
una + noun (f)
una mesa

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Necesito una pluma, por favor.

Necesito una pluma, por favor. (Asking for a pen)

Neutral
Necesito una pluma.

Necesito una pluma. (Asking for a pen)

Informal
Dame una pluma.

Dame una pluma. (Asking for a pen)

Slang
Pásame una pluma.

Pásame una pluma. (Asking for a pen)

Indefinite Article Map

Indefinite Articles

Masculine

  • un a (singular)
  • unos some (plural)

Feminine

  • una a (singular)
  • unas some (plural)
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Examples by Level

1

Tengo un perro.

I have a dog.

2

Ella tiene una gata.

She has a cat.

3

Compro unos libros.

I buy some books.

4

Necesito unas plumas.

I need some pens.

1

¿Tienes un minuto?

Do you have a minute?

2

Busco una tienda.

I am looking for a store.

3

Hay unos estudiantes aquí.

There are some students here.

4

Compré unas manzanas.

I bought some apples.

1

Es un médico muy bueno.

He is a very good doctor.

2

Necesito una solución rápida.

I need a quick solution.

3

Tengo unos problemas con el coche.

I have some problems with the car.

4

Vimos unas películas interesantes.

We saw some interesting movies.

1

Es un artista reconocido.

He is a recognized artist.

2

Fue una decisión difícil.

It was a difficult decision.

3

Llegaron unos invitados inesperados.

Some unexpected guests arrived.

4

Escribió unas cartas importantes.

She wrote some important letters.

1

Resulta un desafío complejo.

It turns out to be a complex challenge.

2

Es una perspectiva fascinante.

It is a fascinating perspective.

3

Existen unos factores determinantes.

There are some determining factors.

4

Propuso unas ideas innovadoras.

He proposed some innovative ideas.

1

Representa un paradigma nuevo.

It represents a new paradigm.

2

Es una anomalía lingüística.

It is a linguistic anomaly.

3

Observamos unos fenómenos curiosos.

We observe some curious phenomena.

4

Se requieren unas medidas urgentes.

Some urgent measures are required.

Easily Confused

Indefinite Articles: a, an, some (un, una, unos, unas) vs Definite vs Indefinite Articles

Learners mix up 'el/la' (the) and 'un/una' (a).

Indefinite Articles: a, an, some (un, una, unos, unas) vs Un vs Algún

Both mean 'some' or 'a'.

Indefinite Articles: a, an, some (un, una, unos, unas) vs Plural Article Omission

Learners think 'unos' is always needed.

Common Mistakes

✗

un mesa

✓

una mesa

Mesa is feminine.
✗

una libro

✓

un libro

Libro is masculine.
✗

unos libro

✓

unos libros

The noun must be plural too.
✗

un gatos

✓

unos gatos

The article must match the plural noun.
✗

Soy un profesor

✓

Soy profesor

Omit article for professions.
✗

Tengo un hambre

✓

Tengo hambre

Abstract nouns often drop articles.
✗

Es un buen hombre

✓

Es buen hombre

Sometimes omitted after ser.
✗

Necesito un agua

✓

Necesito agua

Mass nouns don't take indefinite articles.
✗

Tengo un dinero

✓

Tengo dinero

Money is uncountable.
✗

Es un gran persona

✓

Es una gran persona

Must match gender.
✗

Es un tipo de un problema

✓

Es un tipo de problema

Omit article after 'tipo de'.
✗

No tengo un coche

✓

No tengo coche

Omit article in negative for emphasis.
✗

Es un hombre de un gran valor

✓

Es un hombre de gran valor

Omit article in idiomatic phrases.

Sentence Patterns

Tengo ___ ___.

¿Hay ___ ___ cerca?

Necesito ___ ___ para trabajar.

Es ___ ___ muy interesante.

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

Quiero un café.

Shopping very common

Busco una camisa.

Texting very common

Tengo unos planes.

Job interview common

Tengo una idea.

Travel common

¿Hay un hotel?

Social media common

Vi unas fotos.

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💡

Check the ending

If a noun ends in 'o', it's usually masculine (un). If it ends in 'a', it's usually feminine (una).
⚠️

Plural agreement

Don't forget to make the noun plural if you use 'unos' or 'unas'.
🎯

Omit after 'ser'

When saying your profession, skip the article: 'Soy estudiante'.
💬

Regional variations

Some regions use 'un' and 'una' more frequently than others in casual speech.

Smart Tips

Look at the last letter. 'o' is usually masculine, 'a' is usually feminine.

un mesa → una mesa

Remember to drop the article for professions.

Soy un estudiante → Soy estudiante

Always check if the noun ends in 's' and make sure the article does too.

unos libro → unos libros

Don't use 'un' or 'una' for things you can't count like water or money.

Quiero un agua → Quiero agua

Pronunciation

/un/, /u.na/

Vowel sounds

The 'u' in 'un' and 'una' is a pure, short sound.

Question intonation

¿Tienes un libro? ↑

Rising intonation at the end for yes/no questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Un and Una are for one; Unos and Unas are for many.

Visual Association

Imagine a single 'Un'icorn for masculine and a single 'Una' for feminine. For plurals, imagine a group of 'Unos' (masculine) and 'Unas' (feminine) dancing together.

Rhyme

Un for a boy, Una for a girl, Unos and Unas for the plural world.

Story

Juan is looking for 'un' regalo (masculine) for his friend. He finds 'una' flor (feminine) in the garden. He sees 'unos' amigos (masculine plural) and 'unas' chicas (feminine plural) nearby. He is happy.

Word Web

ununaunosunasgéneronúmeroartículo

Challenge

Label 5 items in your room with sticky notes using the correct indefinite article.

Cultural Notes

In Spain, 'coche' is used for car.

In Mexico, 'carro' is more common for car.

In Argentina, 'auto' is the standard term.

The Spanish indefinite articles come from the Latin 'unus' (one).

Conversation Starters

“

¿Tienes un hermano?

“

¿Buscas un regalo?

“

¿Hay un restaurante cerca?

“

¿Tienes unos planes para el fin de semana?

Journal Prompts

Describe your desk using 'un' and 'una'.
What do you have in your bag?
Describe a dream you had.
Write about a new hobby you want to start.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct article.

Tengo ___ libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: un
Libro is masculine singular.
Choose the correct article. Multiple Choice

___ mesa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: una
Mesa is feminine singular.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Tengo un casas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo unas casas
Must match gender and number.
Change to plural. Sentence Transformation

Tengo un perro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo unos perros
Un becomes unos, perro becomes perros.
Match the article to the noun. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: coche, mesa, perros, sillas
Matches gender and number.
Fill in the blank.

Busco ___ hotel.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: un
Hotel is masculine.
Choose the correct article. Multiple Choice

___ plumas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: unas
Plumas is feminine plural.
Change to singular. Sentence Transformation

Tengo unas flores.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo una flor
Unas becomes una, flores becomes flor.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct article.

Tengo ___ libro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: un
Libro is masculine singular.
Choose the correct article. Multiple Choice

___ mesa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: una
Mesa is feminine singular.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Tengo un casas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo unas casas
Must match gender and number.
Change to plural. Sentence Transformation

Tengo un perro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo unos perros
Un becomes unos, perro becomes perros.
Match the article to the noun. Match Pairs

un, una, unos, unas

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: coche, mesa, perros, sillas
Matches gender and number.
Fill in the blank.

Busco ___ hotel.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: un
Hotel is masculine.
Choose the correct article. Multiple Choice

___ plumas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: unas
Plumas is feminine plural.
Change to singular. Sentence Transformation

Tengo unas flores.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo una flor
Unas becomes una, flores becomes flor.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Hay ___ libros en la mesa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: unos
Reorder the words to make a sentence Sentence Reorder

una / Tengo / idea / excelente

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo una idea excelente
Translate 'A few girls' Translation

How do you say 'A few girls' in Spanish?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Unas chicas
Match the article to the noun Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: un - chico
Correct the mistake Error Correction

Tengo un casa en Madrid.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tengo una casa en Madrid.
Pick the right one Multiple Choice

___ diez personas vinieron a la fiesta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Unos
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Vi ___ película de Netflix anoche.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: una
Translate 'A pencil' Translation

How do you say 'A pencil'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Un lápiz
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

unos / Compré / zapatos / nuevos

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Compré unos zapatos nuevos
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Dame ___ papel, por favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: un

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Gender is the key to all Spanish grammar. Without it, you can't choose the right article or adjective.

No, 'un' is for masculine nouns, which can be objects like 'un libro'.

Use 'unos' for a group of masculine or mixed-gender nouns.

Sometimes, especially with professions or mass nouns, but usually you need it.

Most nouns ending in 'o' are masculine, and 'a' are feminine. When in doubt, check a dictionary.

It is 'una mano' because it is feminine.

Yes, you still use 'un' in Spanish, unlike English where you might use 'any'.

Yes, some nouns like 'día' are masculine even though they end in 'a'.

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In Other Languages

French high

un/une/des

Spanish has gendered plural articles (unos/unas), while French uses 'des' for both.

German moderate

ein/eine

German does not have an indefinite plural article like 'unos/unas'.

Japanese low

none

Japanese lacks the concept of indefinite articles entirely.

Arabic low

tanwin

Arabic uses suffixes, while Spanish uses separate words.

Chinese low

yī (one) + measure word

Chinese relies on measure words instead of gendered articles.

English moderate

a/an/some

English articles do not change based on gender.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Spanish Definite Articles: el, la, los, las
Next
Making it Many: Spanish Plurals (-s, -es)

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Spanish Noun Gender: Masculine & Feminine (el/la)

Overview In Spanish, every single noun possesses an inherent grammatical gender: it is either **masculine** or **feminin...

Continue With

A1 Requires

Making it Many: Spanish Plurals (-s, -es)

Overview Mastering Spanish plurals is fundamental to constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences....

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