In this section,  we will be looking at definite and indefinite articles in Spanish.

First, let’s consider what articles are. There are three articles in the English language: the, a, and an. These are divided into two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an).

The definite article indicates a level of specificity that the indefinite does not. “An apple” could refer to any apple; however “the apple” refers back to a specific apple. Thus, when using the definite article, the speaker assumes the listener knows the identity of the person, place or thing to which it refers, because it is common knowledge, or because it was mentioned in the same sentence or an earlier sentence.

The use of an indefinite article implies that the speaker assumes the listener does not have to be told the identity of the referent. (Click here for more on definite and indefinite articles in English).

This section will also look at how yes/no questions are formed in Spanish.