Basic query

Dave D.A1Kwiziq community member

Basic query

How do we know if a noun is masculine or feminine in Spanish if it a new word to us?  Is there a clue I am missing or is it just a guess?

Asked 3 years ago
Clara M.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hola Dave,

The rule to follow is:

Most regular nouns that end in are masculine.

Most regular nouns that end in a are feminine.

There are exceptions to the rule however, e.g. el problema.

This may help also:

Masculine nouns:

• Most nouns that refer to male people and animals are masculine. (un hombre, un perro, un primo, el abuelo, etc.)

• Most nouns that end in -are generally masculine. (un gato, un globo, un cuadro, el cuaderno, etc.)

Feminine nouns:

• Most nouns that refer to female people and animals are feminine (e.g. mujer, gata, madre, prima, abuela, etc.).


• Most nouns that end in -a are generally feminine. (una cama, una casa, la salida, la mesa, etc.) 

• The majority of words that end in -dad or -ión are also feminine. (la verdad, la igualdad, la estación, la revolución, etc.).

If you type 'Gender of Nouns' into the Kwiziq search bar, you will find lots of information to help you.

Saludos

Clara

InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Dave

If you click here, under this basic information about "gender" you will find all or most lessons related to this topic. Bear in mind they are for different levels though. 

Have a look here.

I hope it helps.

Inma

Basic query

How do we know if a noun is masculine or feminine in Spanish if it a new word to us?  Is there a clue I am missing or is it just a guess?

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