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Using 'a' and 'an' articlesIf you need help translating a sentence or longer piece of text, use this forum. For translations or definitions of a single word or idiom, use the vocabulary forum. |
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#1
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Using 'a' and 'an' articles
The other day, I say a couple of sentences in Spanish. These were ..
No soy hombre. Soy mujer. Now as I understand, the translation should be: " No soy un hombre. Soy una mujer. " If you notice, i've used 'un' and 'una' to specify the article 'a' .. but the english translation given at that place was " No soy hombre. Soy mujer. " My question is how are we supposed to use articles. And, "Hombre" means "man" or "a man" ?? Hope I make sense. |
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#2
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You are right to ask - the use of 'a' is not quite the same in English and Spanish. There is a fairly simple exception in Spanish that if you use the verb 'ser' to be, when describing a fundamental property of a person (profession, rank, religion, political affiliation etc.) you omit the 'a'
Elena es profesora Elena is a teacher. "Hombre" can mean "man" or "a man" depending on context. |
#3
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Hmm.. seems ok for now. I'l make a note of it. Thanks
So generally speaking, the translation " No soy un hombre. Soy una mujer. " is incorrect(or atleast is not preferred).. right ? |
#4
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Quote:
You will need to use un/una if the noun is followed by an adjective. Examples: Soy un hombre guapo. Soy una mujer bella.
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Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias. |
#5
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Ah .. okie ..got it .. thanks for clarifying ..
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#6
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I'd say "No soy un hombre, soy una mujer". But the one you said is correct, too. Cuestión de gustos o de costumbres, supongo
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