Definite, indefinite, or no article? 1

Three choices: definite, indefinite, or zero — Choosing between el/la (definite), un/una (indefinite), and no article at all is one of the most nuanced areas of Spanish. Ask: is the noun specific and known? → definite. New and non-specific? → indefinite. In a set expression or after ser/sin? → zero article.

Set expressions without articles — Many common Spanish phrases use no article where English would: tener hambre/sed/sueño/miedo, ir en coche/taxi/avión, dar gracias, hacer falta, tomar nota. These are fixed expressions — inserting an article would sound unnatural or change the meaning.

Predicate nouns — the article test — After ser, whether to use an article depends on what follows. No article with unmodified nouns of profession, religion, or nationality: Es médico, es católico, es español. Indefinite article when modified: Es un médico brillante. Definite article for a unique role: Es el médico de la reina.