Indefinite Articles

01

Gender and Number Agreement

The choice of article depends on whether the noun is masculine or feminine, and singular or plural.

Masculine Singular: un

Used before a single masculine noun.

• Tinc un llibre a la bossa.

  I have a book in my bag.

• Vull un cafè amb llet, si us plau.

  I want a coffee with milk, please.

Feminine Singular: una

Used before a single feminine noun.

• Busco una farmàcia oberta.

  I'm looking for an open pharmacy.

• És una bona idea.

  It's a good idea.

Masculine Plural: uns

Used before multiple masculine nouns.

• Hi ha uns parcs molt bonics a Barcelona.

  There are some very beautiful parks in Barcelona.

• Vaig comprar uns pantalons nous.

  I bought a new pair of trousers.

Feminine Plural: unes

Used before multiple feminine nouns.

• Necessito unes ulleres per llegir.

  I need a pair of glasses for reading.

• Té unes amigues de Girona.

  She has some friends from Girona.

02

Feminine Nouns Starting with a Vowel

The feminine article una does not change its form, even when it comes before a noun that starts with a vowel or a silent 'h'. This is a key difference from some other Romance languages.

• Tinc una urgència.

  I have an emergency.

• És una illa molt tranquil·la.

  It's a very quiet island.

• Espera'm una hora.

  Wait for me for an hour.

03

Meaning of Plural Forms

The plural articles uns and unes often translate to "some" or "a few," indicating an unspecified quantity.

• He vist uns gats al carrer.

  I saw some cats in the street.

• Porta unes flors per a la teva àvia.

  Bring some flowers for your grandmother.

For nouns that typically come in pairs, uns and unes can mean "a pair of."

• Necessito uns mitjons nets.

  I need a clean pair of socks.

• S'ha comprat unes sabates noves.

  She has bought a new pair of shoes.

04

When to Omit the Indefinite Article

The indefinite article is typically omitted after the verb ser (to be) when stating a person's profession, nationality, religion, or other defining group affiliation.

• La meva germana és metgessa.

  My sister is a doctor.

• El seu veí és francès.

  His neighbor is French.

However, if the noun is modified by an adjective or another descriptor, the article is required.

• La meva germana és una metgessa excel·lent.

  My sister is an excellent doctor.

• És un professor amb molta paciència.

  He is a teacher with a lot of patience.