Spanish Conversation · Level 1
86 words
Spanish word
el
Pronunciation
IPA/el/
Meaning
- articlethe
Example
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
More examples
El baño está ocupado.
The bathroom is occupied.
Core concept
A marker that flags a known masculine singular noun in the current context.
Common phrases
el baño
the bathroom
el libro
the book
el problema
the problem
Similar words
la: Marks a specific, known feminine singular noun in the current context.
un: Marks one unspecified noun, used with the masculine singular form.
unos: Marks some unspecified plural nouns, used with the masculine plural form.
los: Marks specific, known plural nouns identifiable in the current context (masculine plural).
Definition in Spanish
Marca que el sustantivo al que acompaña es identificable y conocido en la situación comunicativa.
Word origin
Derived from the Latin demonstrative ille, with the demonstrative gradually turning into the Spanish definite article el during medieval development.
Usage tips
- The preposition a plus el contracts to al (a + el = al), while a plus la does not contract.
Opposites
- unaarticle