El or La Before Titles

Learn when to use the definite article before one’s title.

When you refer to someone with his/her title, you use a definite article before the title.

“La señora Abrego no está en casa hoy.”
(Mrs. Abrego isn’t home today.)

You also use a definite article before your title to introduce yourself.

“Buenas tardes, soy el enfermero Roberto.”
(Good afternoon, I’m nurse Roberto.)

Finally, you use a definite article before one’s title when asking someone’s identity.

“¿Es usted la señora Abrego?”
(Are you Mrs. Abrego?)

So when don’t we use the definite article before someone’s title?
When we are directly addressing someone:

“Buenos días señora Abrego.”
(Good morning Mrs. Abrego.)

Audio Quiz

“Soy la enfermera Sally.”
(I’m nurse Sally.)

“¿Es usted el señor Castillo?”
(Are you Mr. Castillo?)

“Sí soy el señor Castillo.”
(Yes, I’m Mr. Castillo.)

“¿Cómo está señor Castillo?”
(How are you Mr. Castillo.)

“Tengo cita con el doctor Espinosa.”
(I have an appointment with Dr. Espinosa.)

“El doctor Anderson regresará pronto.”
(Doctor Anderson will return soon.)

“La enfermera Sally trabaja esta noche.”
(Nurse Sally is working tonight.)

“Que le vaya bien, señora Sánchez.”
(Farewell, Mrs. Sánchez.)

“Buenos días señora Alvarez, soy la doctora Cathy Robinson.”
(Good Morning Mrs. Alvarez. I’m Doctor Cathy Robinson.)

¡Hasta la próxima!