📒 Nouns and Gender – Masculine and Feminine in Spanish

 Learn Spanish and Culture – Beginner Level (A1)

By Teacher Laura de Español 🍊

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👩‍🏫 What is a noun?

A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. In Spanish, all nouns have a gender: they are either masculine or feminine.

This is different from English! But don’t worry — there are clear patterns to help you.

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✨ General Rules

Ending	Gender	Example in Spanish	English Translation
-o	Masculine	el amigo	the (male) friend
-a	Feminine	la amiga	the (female) friend
-ción / -sión	Feminine	la canción	the song
-dad / -tad	Feminine	la ciudad	the city
-ma	Masculine (often)	el problema	the problem

⚠️ Exceptions exist, so it's important to always learn the noun with its article.

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💡 Examples

Masculine nouns:

• el libro (the book)

• el perro (the dog)

• el hospital (the hospital)

Feminine nouns:

• la mesa (the table)

• la flor (the flower)

• la universidad (the university)

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💞 Cultural Connection

In Colombian families, the words mamá, papá, hermana, hermano are very important. Gendered nouns help you describe your family and talk about relationships:

• Mi mamá es trabajadora.

• Mi hermano es divertido.

Talking about your loved ones is one of the most beautiful parts of learning Spanish.

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📝 Practice time

1. ¿Es masculino o femenino?

• libro → ___________

• casa → ___________

• televisión → ___________

• sistema → ___________

2. Add the correct article:

• ___ flor

• ___ abuelo

• ___ universidad

• ___ teléfono

3. Translate into Spanish:

• The mother → ______________________

• The brother → ______________________

• The problem → ______________________

• The song → ______________________

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🌟 Tip from Teacher Laura 🍊

Treat each noun like it has a personality — masculine or feminine. Always say it with its article (el árbol, la silla). That way, gender becomes natural with time, and your Spanish becomes more authentic. 💃

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➡️ Next article:

“Plural Nouns – How to Make Words Plural in Spanish”

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Con mucho cariño y alegría,
Teacher Laura de Español 🍊
Learn Spanish with love and culture