When to Use a Definite Article Before a Title in Spanish

In this audio lesson, we practice when to use and when not to use the definite article before one’s title in Spanish.

Talking About Someone

You may have learned when talking about someone with his/her title, that you insert a definite article before the title.

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

Introductions

We also use the definite article before our titles during introductions.

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

And we insert the definite article before someone’s title when we are asking his/her identity.

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

Directly Addressing Someone

So when do we not use the definite article before someone’s title?
When we are directly addressing someone.

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

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!

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Subscribe to the premium audio lessons at docmolly.com. This audio lesson introduces the Medial History and Exam series. The Medical History and Exam series is part of the Basic Medical Subscription, the Medical Spanish Subscription and the All Access Subscription. This series is the prefect place to start your medical Spanish studies, because the lessons are at the beginner to intermediate level. They cover all the essential vocabulary and phrases used to perform a comprehensive Medical History and Exam in Spanish. In this series of interactive audio lessons, we review professional titles, parts of the body, a history of present illness, past medical history, family history, social history, a full review of systems (ROS), a physical exam and more.

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