Spanish language Q&A Forum

I know this keeps coming up, but in the examples we see: “las llaves de la casa”, and “la reserva de hotel”. Both these expressions follow the structure of NOUN + DE + NOUN. Why do we only use “la” for the first one?

Este verano  mis circunstancias personales me han impedido viajar fuera. Porque no podemos usar el préterito aquí ? El marco de tiempos es el verano que es más largo de un mes.

Kevin

why is my answer to this question wrong? ________ votos. 

16 July 2023

Dear Kwiziq Lesson Writing Team:

I am uncertain as to when I must (or should) use the definite articles "el/la" or "los/las" when translating from English to Spanish. See following examples from the "Fire Heroes/Héroes del fuego" exercise:

Example 1:

"...protect buildings and save lives in danger"

I wrote: "...proteger los edificios y salvar las vidas en peligro."

The Kwiziq answer was: "...proteger edificios y salvar vidas en peligro."

Example 2:

"These professionals protect forests and natural areas..."

I wrote: "Estos profesionales protegen los bosques y las áreas naturales..."

The Kwiziq answer was: "Estos profesionales protegen los bosques y las áreas naturales..."

As you can see, in neither of the English translations is a definite article included.

In Example 1, my use of "los" was accepted, but my use of "las" was not. Upon studying the final Kwiziq translation, I noticed that neither "los" nor "las" had been used in the translation of that phrase. Then in Example 2, I used "los" and "las". To my delight (and surprise) I saw that in the Kwiziq translation "los" and "las" were used as well. 

So --- I am confused and uncertain as to WHEN  (under what specific circumstances?) is it necessary, appropriate, or customary to use el/la and los/las. I know they must be used at the start of a sentence and (I believe) after some uses of gustar, but what about other circumstances?

Please upload lessons that offer specific examples (and explanations) about when to use these definite articles.  

Your attention to this request would be very greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Pati Ecuamiga

Yup.  Makes no sense at all.  I also watched videos on youtube for "por v. para."  Incomprehensible.  Pretty soon, I will shelve Spanish.  I have gotten to the point where it is a reality that I will not achieve fluency or really go beyond the basic, "Quiere sal?"  

Cuales son los diferente tipos de fauna que se encuentran en el pantanal 

son peligrosas o inofensivas ?

dependiendo de el país la flora cambiará en el pantanal?

I appear to be stuck at 96.2% no matter how many times I answer correctly.

Excellent having these examples of pleasantries all in one place.