The gender of Spanish nouns: masculine and feminine
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
The general rule states that all Spanish nouns are masculine or feminine.
Words ending in -o are generally masculine, while ones ending in -a are generally feminine. The articles which accompany a masculine noun are el (definite) / uno (indefinite), while the feminine ones are la (definite) / una (indefinite).
Masculine nouns ending in -o | Feminine nouns ending in -a |
---|---|
|
|
Usually words with the following endings are masculine:
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Besides, nouns that designate male beings generally end in -o.
Examples:
However, nouns that designate male beings may have other endings:
Examples:
Although nouns ending in -a are mostly feminine, some of them are masculine.
Note that nouns ending in -ía, -ma, -ama, -ema, -oma have similar spelling and meaning in both English and Spanish.
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ía | El día (day) |
-ma | El clima (weather, climate) |
-ama | El programa (programme) |
-ema | El problema (problem) |
-oma | El idioma (language) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ambre | El hambre (hunger) |
-aje | El lenguaje (language) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-or | El amor (love) |
-án | El refrán (proverb) |
Certain groups of nouns are masculine.
Noun groups | Examples | English translation |
---|---|---|
Days of weeks / months of the year | El lunes me voy a la universidad. Éste ha sido un octubre lleno de sorpresas. | On Monday I'm going to university. This has been an October full of surprises. |
Compound nouns | El paraguas El lavavajillas | Umbrella Dishwasher |
Colours | El azul El amarillo | Blue Yellow |
Infinitives as nouns | El hacer ejercicio es muy recomendable. | Working out is advisable. |
Rivers / seas / oceans | El río Támesis está en Londres. | The Thames River is in London. |
Trees
| El naranjo
La naranja | Orange tree
Orange |
Usually words with the following endings are feminine:
Besides, nouns which designate female beings generally end in -a.
Examples:
However, nouns that designate female beings may have other endings:
Example:
La mujer (woman)
Although nouns ending in -o are mostly masculine, some of them are feminine. Except for mano, most of them are abbreviations of compound nouns.
Examples:
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-dad | La calidad (quality) |
-tad | La amistad (friendship) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ción | La calefacción (heating) |
-sión | La decisión (decision) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ie | La serie (serie) |
-eza | La naturaleza (nature) |
-sis | La crisis (crisis) |
-itis | La laringitis (laryngitis) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-tud | La virtud (virtue) |
-umbre | La certidumbre (certainty) |
Endings | Use | Example |
---|---|---|
-e | using for both masculine and feminine nouns | El examen (exam) La clase (class)
|
-a -ante -e -ista | using for both masculine and feminine nouns designating individuals and professions
| El/La atleta (athlete) El/La cantante (singer) El/La intérprete (interpreter) El/la dentista (dentist) |
-és -ón -or < -a | using for professions, animals, people
| El inglés/La inglesa (Englishman/Englishwoman) El campeón/La campeona (champion) El profesor/La profesora (professor)
|
/ | invariable nouns: the article does not change | El ángel (angel) La victima (victim) |
/ | invariable nouns: the article identify the gender | El/La turista (tourist) El/La joven (young man/youngwoman) |
Feminine nouns which begin with a stressed -a or -ha take the masculine definite article in their singular form.
Examples:
The following goup of nouns include some common words:
Masculine form | Femnine form |
---|---|
El actor (actor) | La actriz (actress) |
El padre (father) | La madre (mother) |
El marido / esposo (husband) | La esposa (wife) |
El padre (father) | La madre (mother) |
El príncipe (prince) | La princesa (princess) |
El héroe (hero) | La heroína (heroine) |
El rey (king) | La reína (queen) |
Masculine form | Feminine form |
---|---|
El capital - capital (money) | La capital - city |
El corte - cut | La corte - court |
El cura - priest | La cura - cure |
El editorial - newspaper editorial | La editorial - publishing house |
El frente - front | La frente - forehead |
El guía - guide | La guía - female guide, telephone guide, guidebook |
El policía - police officer | La policía - the police force |
Fill in the missing definite articles.
1- exposición (exposition, exhibit)
2- hombre (man)
3- costumbre (habit)
4- ambientalista (environmentalist)
5- blanco (white)
6- cantidad (quantity)
7- madre (mother)
8- amor (love)
9- capital (capital city)
10- problema (problem)
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-a
-o
La certid___ (certainty)
-umbre
-ambre
El agu__ (water)
-o
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-or
-ora
El maestr__ (teacher)
-o
-a
La man__ (hand)
-o
-a
La educa___ (education)
-cián
-ción
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
-a
El lengu___ (language)
-aje
-eza
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
-omo
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
La certid___ (certainty)
-umbre
El agu__ (water)
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-or
El maestr__ (teacher)
-o
La man__ (hand)
-o
La educa___ (education)
-ción
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
El lengu___ (language)
-aje
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
Fill in the missing definite articles.
1- exposición (exposition, exhibit)
2- hombre (man)
3- costumbre (habit)
4- ambientalista (environmentalist)
5- blanco (white)
6- cantidad (quantity)
7- madre (mother)
8- amor (love)
9- capital (capital city)
10- problema (problem)
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
-a
La certid___ (certainty)
-ambre
-umbre
El agu__ (water)
-o
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-or
-ora
El maestr__ (teacher)
-a
-o
La man__ (hand)
-o
-a
La educa___ (education)
-ción
-cián
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
-a
El lengu___ (language)
-eza
-aje
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
-omo
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
La certid___ (certainty)
-umbre
El agu__ (water)
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-or
El maestr__ (teacher)
-o
La man__ (hand)
-o
La educa___ (education)
-ción
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
El lengu___ (language)
-aje
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
I am French of Colombian descent, and currently live in southern France. I spent my childhood in Colombia, however I have been living in France for over 34 years. I also lived in the United States of America for a year, and in Brazil for 4 years. I am fluent in French, Spanish, and English, understand and speak Portuguese very well.
I have earned a Masters degree in didactics of languages from de University of Angers, a DAEFLE Diploma from the Alliance Française of Paris, and a Linguistics in French as a Foreign Language Diploma from the Sorbonne University of Paris.
I am a teacher of French and Spanish as foreign languages. I currently teach French to foreigners at a language institute in the city where I live, as well as give private virtual lessons.
I teach the language in a playful, thorough, and effective manner; for these purposes I use books, digital applications, short films and audio recordings.
It would be a pleasure to help you reach the goals of your expectations.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Giovanna is a very friendly and experienced teacher. I had a very great time speaking to her and can definitely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Laura is kind and a native ! She will learn you Mexican culture and expressions from Mexico ! Her learning materials are based on your demands and on discussions.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Costanza is a teacher, a writer and an actress, hence she has a very deep knowledge of the Spanish language. She knows the common difficulties of language learning and how to face them. Costanza structures her classes according to her student's level, but she always likes to start with a small conversation.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi,
I'm Poppy, 21, from England and I'm currently studying English, French and Spanish at Uni in Strasbourg, France.
I studied up until the age of 18 in Britain and am now living a bilingual life here in France, so I know the obstacles when it comes to learning a foreign language.
I have a qualification in teaching English (TEFL) and have been teaching for the past 6 months on another English-learning website called Cambly where i have met people from all over the world, some total beginners in English and others close to fluency.
I like students to be at ease during classes and the best way to do that, in my opinion, is to build a friendship and speak about the topics which interest them most, but of course in English! I am very flexible and sometimes read news articles with students which lead to discussions or Youtube videos from their favourite youtuber. The most important thing is to inspire the student to start speaking- once he/she does, we can start correcting their mistakes.
I also like to show students why being bilingual is such an amazing skill to have and how it can change your life prospects.
Poppy :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Poppy is an original and young English teacher ! She has good teaching materials gathering videos, texts and audio. Poppy teaches with good energy and a big smile ! Students can improve their English thank to attractive lessons and exercises based on their demands and level.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello.
My name is Marianna and I have been teaching English and Greek as second languages for more than 20 years. My studies in English Language and Literature and Translation (PhD) in England and Greece have helped me gain the necessary experience, knowledge and passion for my job. I have worked as a Cambridge Speaking Examiner, a university instructor and translator in the European Commission. I am currently teaching mainly online. I hope I can help you with your studies.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Marianna has a great teaching experience. She teaches Greek and English for any level. Her lessons are adapted for any demands and based on interactions, grammar and attractive activities. Students can learn vocabulary about different subjects describing pictures or paintings for exemple. Moreover Marianna is a smiling and nice person, I recommend her !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I'm Andrés. I've been a language teacher since 2005. I'm also CELTA certified but more importantly, it's my experience as a teacher, as well as being a learner of Japanese (intermediate), Chinese (intermediate) and now Finnish (super basic, just started), that counts. I feel it's crucial to be in the students' shoes to better teach them and recommend resources, habits, and techniques that actually work.
My teaching methods include a lot of input through listening, texts, followed by guided practice based on the material. Grammar is taught in a complimentary way, but the main focus is input and communication. I follow CEFR topic order so that students can see how their knowledge scaffolds along.
The materials are picked from the internet depending on the student's needs and interests, be they work, travel, study, or just for fun. I like to include videos about different topics like culture, business, life hacks, news, interesting facts, science, love and relationships, among others, with intermediate/advanced students, and communicational dialogues with beginner students.
Book a trial lesson and see how you feel!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jorge is a nice teacher with a long experience, in fact, he's been teaching since 2005 in different contexts. His method is very much focused on communication and conversation, always adapting to the student's level, needs and interests (his classes can deal with many different topics).
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a TEFL + TEYL and Business English certified teacher; I also teach Italian, my mother tongue.
I am an elementary teacher and I love playing and spending time with children.
I have students of all ages, from young learners to elderly people.
I really enjoy teaching, both online and in person.
I also love swimming, reading, doing yoga and walking on the beach.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Silvia has wide experience: she's been teaching for almost 20 years to students of all ages (kids, youngsters, adults, elders) from many different countries and in different contexts. Hence, she knows that they can all have different needs and goals, to which she adapts her classes. She also provides really good learning materials and she does great use of internet resources.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Silvia C.
![]()
Thank you Sara! I truly appreciate your kind words and I look forward to working with you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Tiera, and I am a native English speaker from Dallas, Texas, in the United States. I have over three years of in-person teaching experience with young learners aged 4-14. I also have a 120-hour TEFL certificate earned in August 2020. I have a high school diploma and spent approximately three years studying criminal justice and Spanish at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
My philosophy is simple; teach with compassion, patience and confidence and your students will be greatly rewarded. I teach all levels of English learners, with young children and adults alike. I love to talk about sports, food, and nature in my classes. I prefer to use TPR, or the “total physical response” method with young learners because it is engaging and interactive. I can assist with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as conversational English. This can include “free talk” topics as specific as interview English, business English, or anything that interests the students. I can also assist students with pronunciation and accent advising.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Tiera is a very friendly teacher and especially well prepared for teaching kids. I can surely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Tiera G.
Thanks Henrik!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone! Всем привет! My name is Konstantin and I’m a teacher of English and Russian languages. I graduated from Moscow State Linguistic University with a major in Linguistics and now I study teaching of Russian as a foreign language at Omsk State Pedagogical University. I’ve been working as a teacher of Russian at the non-profit organization Together One New York for a year now and I enjoy doing that! During my work I focus on interactive, communicative and student-centered approach to improve the students’ fluency as well as accuracy. I do my best to tailor the study plan and classes to achieve the best way of language acquisition which satisfies the needs and interests of my students. In my work I try to implement modern and up-to-date learning materials. You don’t have to worry about the necessary study materials as I provide all of them. Good luck in learning and I see you in class!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Konstantin is an experienced teacher who's also very nice and will make you feel immediately comfortable. He provides really good and exhaustive learning materials for any type of student.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Greetings to everyone!!! My name is Penny and I am a certified Greek teacher, specified in teaching Greek as a foreign/second language. I am currently living and working as a teacher in the Greek School of Budapest, while I am about to complete my master's program "Teaching Greek as foreign/second language".
Through the last four years that I am an active tutor, I have succesfully taught almost all the types of language levels -from A1 till C2- and I have prepared my students, according to their various needs. Communicative Greek, Preparatory courses for succeeding in Uni exams, Preparing students for succeeding in the language assessment "Ellinomatheia", Business vocabulary are only some of the fields, where my experience could be proven valuable.
I work both with children and adults.
During the lesson, I use various of teaching techniques, according to the students' age and interests. Digital applications are always a part of my lesson and make teaching interactive and interesting. Preferable method: Communicative approach and Task-Based Learning.
I am looking forward to teach you not only the Greek language, but also the Greek spirit and culture!!!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Penny teaches to any level and age. If you are an adults, a University student, a teenager or for your kid, she adaptes her lessons with creative tools. She has great and structured homemade Greek courses : First she introduces you to a writing understanding by text, then to an oral one by audio or videos and finally you can practice your Greek by grammar exercises or conversations. Penny is involved and passioned in her teaching and has creative and attractive learning materials ! I recommend her !!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello students my name is Keletso . I am an English tutor. I have a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology and a I recently completed my TEFL.
My teaching method is more engaging I choose a more student focused method, relaxed and fun way of teaching to engage the students and make them participate through use of props, reading materials, drawings etc.
I also like reading so if you are a book worm you will have fun in my class.
So if you need help with English lessons, conversation practice, functional English, pronunciation, vocabulary, reading and writing sign up for a free trial lesson
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Keletso is a passionate English teacher who can help you achieve your goals and speak the English language at the level you want to reach. Her lessons are very engaging and fun and she tries to involve her students as much as possible during the classes. Therefore, she also uses many different materials to create an exciting and interesting lesson. So don't wait any longer and book your first lesson with Keletso now!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Guy is an experienced French teacher in Cameroun. He is used to working with kids, teenagers and adults and for different level. Students can learn French grammar, vocabulary and have a conversion with him.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! My name is Jacko a TESOL certified teacher and I've been teaching English online to both young learners and adult learners of different levels since 2015. For me, teaching is a mission, I will be with you every step of the way and make sure to guide and help you until you reach your goas. I’m patient, friendly, engaging and I always make sure my students can learn in a very simple way while having fun at the same time. I do believe that "Nothing is impossible" so "Just do it"! I hope to meet and see you in one of my class!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jade is an outgoing and dedicated English teacher. You can tell how much he loves to share his knowledge with new students. Since he can teach all levels, from beginner to advanced, he is definitely the right teacher for you and will adapt the English lessons exactly to your needs and your level. Since he uses different sorts of materials in his classes, you will never get bored, and you will be able to improve your English skills in a fun and easy way. So don't hesitate any longer and book your first lesson with Jade today!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am French of Colombian descent, and currently live in southern France. I spent my childhood in Colombia, however I have been living in France for over 34 years. I also lived in the United States of America for a year, and in Brazil for 4 years. I am fluent in French, Spanish, and English, understand and speak Portuguese very well.
I have earned a Masters degree in didactics of languages from de University of Angers, a DAEFLE Diploma from the Alliance Française of Paris, and a Linguistics in French as a Foreign Language Diploma from the Sorbonne University of Paris.
I am a teacher of French and Spanish as foreign languages. I currently teach French to foreigners at a language institute in the city where I live, as well as give private virtual lessons.
I teach the language in a playful, thorough, and effective manner; for these purposes I use books, digital applications, short films and audio recordings.
It would be a pleasure to help you reach the goals of your expectations.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Giovanna is a very friendly and experienced teacher. I had a very great time speaking to her and can definitely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Laura is kind and a native ! She will learn you Mexican culture and expressions from Mexico ! Her learning materials are based on your demands and on discussions.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Costanza is a teacher, a writer and an actress, hence she has a very deep knowledge of the Spanish language. She knows the common difficulties of language learning and how to face them. Costanza structures her classes according to her student's level, but she always likes to start with a small conversation.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi,
I'm Poppy, 21, from England and I'm currently studying English, French and Spanish at Uni in Strasbourg, France.
I studied up until the age of 18 in Britain and am now living a bilingual life here in France, so I know the obstacles when it comes to learning a foreign language.
I have a qualification in teaching English (TEFL) and have been teaching for the past 6 months on another English-learning website called Cambly where i have met people from all over the world, some total beginners in English and others close to fluency.
I like students to be at ease during classes and the best way to do that, in my opinion, is to build a friendship and speak about the topics which interest them most, but of course in English! I am very flexible and sometimes read news articles with students which lead to discussions or Youtube videos from their favourite youtuber. The most important thing is to inspire the student to start speaking- once he/she does, we can start correcting their mistakes.
I also like to show students why being bilingual is such an amazing skill to have and how it can change your life prospects.
Poppy :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Poppy is an original and young English teacher ! She has good teaching materials gathering videos, texts and audio. Poppy teaches with good energy and a big smile ! Students can improve their English thank to attractive lessons and exercises based on their demands and level.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials