Spanish articles-those tiny words like el and una-do a lot of heavy lifting. They tell you if you’re talking about a specific thing or just any thing, and they set the stage for the whole sentence. But let’s be honest, they can trip up even the most determined learner.
This quick reference list puts the essential definite and indefinite articles in one spot. You’ll find el, la, los, las (the), and un, una, unos, unas (a, an, some). Each entry gives you a straightforward meaning and a natural example sentence so you can see how the article behaves in real Spanish-not just a dictionary translation.
Work through the list at your own pace, and when you’re ready to study offline, use the free PDF download button right below the table. It’s a clean, no-fuss reference for any Spanish learner who wants to stop second-guessing their article choices.
Want more than one list? Browse our Spanish section for more Yak Yacker study pages, printable lists, and quiz-friendly review material.
How Spanish Articles Work
Spanish articles tell you whether a noun is specific or nonspecific, and they also change for gender and number. That is why you learn pairs like el / la and un / una instead of one all-purpose word.
This list also includes forms like al, del, and lo because learners run into them early. When you study the table, pay attention to the article type, the gender-number pattern, and the example sentence together.
Spanish Articles Quiz
Think you know your el from your un ? Give the quick quiz below a try-no pressure, just a friendly way to spot any gaps before you move on.
Spanish Articles Reference List
| Article | Article Type | Gender / Number | Meaning / Use | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| al | contraction | masculine singular | short form of 'a + el' | Voy al mercado. | I am going to the market. |
| del | contraction | masculine singular | short form of 'de + el' | Vengo del trabajo. | I am coming from work. |
| el | definite article | masculine singular | used before a singular masculine noun | El libro es nuevo. | The book is new. |
| la | definite article | feminine singular | used before a singular feminine noun | La mesa es grande. | The table is big. |
| las | definite article | feminine plural | used before plural feminine nouns | Las flores son bonitas. | The flowers are pretty. |
| lo | neutral article | neuter singular | used to talk about an idea or something abstract | Lo bueno es que llegaste. | The good thing is that you arrived. |
| los | definite article | masculine plural | used before plural masculine nouns or mixed groups | Los niños juegan afuera. | The children play outside. |
| un | indefinite article | masculine singular | used before a singular masculine noun | Quiero un café. | I want a coffee. |
| una | indefinite article | feminine singular | used before a singular feminine noun | Necesito una silla. | I need a chair. |
| unas | indefinite article | feminine plural | used before plural feminine nouns | Vi unas buenas películas. | I saw some good movies. |
| unos | indefinite article | masculine plural | used before plural masculine nouns | Compré unos zapatos. | I bought some shoes. |
