Indefinite Articles

01

Singular: 'un' and 'una'

Use un before a masculine singular noun and una before a feminine singular noun. These words also serve as the number one.

• Quiero un taco al pastor.

  I want a pastor-style taco.

• Necesito una pluma para escribir.

  I need a pen to write.

• ¿Tienes un minuto?

  Do you have a minute?

02

Plural: 'unos' and 'unas'

The plural forms, unos (masculine) and unas (feminine), translate to some or a few. They are used to refer to an unspecified quantity of something.

• Compré unos dulces en la tienda.

  I bought some candies at the store.

• Hay unas preguntas para ti.

  There are a few questions for you.

• Esperamos por unos veinte minutos.

  We waited for about twenty minutes.

03

Using 'un' with Feminine Nouns

For pronunciation reasons, the masculine article un is used directly before a singular feminine noun that begins with a stressed "a-" or "ha-" sound. The noun itself remains feminine, so any adjectives that follow it must be in the feminine form.

• El águila es un ave muy grande.

  The eagle is a very big bird.

• Necesitamos un hacha afilada.

  We need a sharp axe.

• Es un alma buena.

  She is a good soul.

04

Omission with Professions and Identities

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

• Mi papá es ingeniero.

  My dad is an engineer.

• Soy estudiante.

  I am a student.

However, if the profession or identity is modified by an adjective, the article is required.

• Mi papá es un ingeniero muy respetado.

  My dad is a very respected engineer.

• Soy un buen estudiante.

  I am a good student.