the

S1 W1

BrE /ðiː/ AmE /ði/

determiner en → es

1 DEFINING ARTICLE [determiner] A1

used before a noun to refer to something specific or known about

el, la, los, las

  • the + singular countable noun
  • the + plural countable noun

Collocations the house · the people

  • The book on the table is mine.

    El libro sobre la mesa es mío.

2 UNIQUE [determiner] A1

used before a noun to refer to something unique or one of its kind

el, la, los, las

  • the + singular countable noun

Collocations the sun · the moon

  • The sun is shining brightly.

    El sol brilla intensamente.

3 SUPERLATIVE [determiner] A2

used before a superlative adjective or the superlative form of an adverb to show that something is the best, worst, etc.

el, la, los, las

  • the + superlative adjective

Collocations the best day · the worst time

  • She is the best teacher I have ever had.

    Ella es la mejor profesora que he tenido.

4 DEFINING SET [determiner] A2

used before a noun to refer to a set of things that are known or specific

el, la, los, las

  • the + plural countable noun

Collocations the keys · the tools

  • The keys are on the table.

    Las llaves están sobre la mesa.

5 DEFINING GROUP [determiner] A2

used before a noun to refer to a group or category of people, things, etc., that is known or specific

el, la, los, las

  • the + singular uncountable noun

Collocations the water · the air

  • The water is very cold.

    El agua está muy fría.

6 DEFINING PLACE [determiner] A2

used before a noun to refer to a place that is known or specific

el, la, los, las

  • the + singular uncountable noun

Collocations the park · the beach

  • The park is beautiful in the spring.

    El parque es hermoso en la primavera.

7 DEFINING TIME [determiner] A2

used before a noun to refer to a time that is known or specific

el, la, los, las

  • the + singular uncountable noun

Collocations the morning · the afternoon

  • The morning is the best time to study.

    La mañana es el mejor momento para estudiar.

8 DEFINING DAY [determiner] A2

used before a noun to refer to a day that is known or specific

el, la, los, las

  • the + singular uncountable noun

Collocations the day after tomorrow · the day before yesterday

  • The day after tomorrow is my birthday.

    El día después de mañana es mi cumpleaños.