Grammar
Noun gender in Spanish: masculine and feminine
Understand masculine and feminine nouns in Spanish with patterns, exceptions and examples.
Every Spanish noun has grammatical gender. Many endings help, but you must learn common exceptions.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| -o ending | el libro | the book | often masculine |
| -a ending | la casa | the house | often feminine |
| -ción ending | la información | the information | usually feminine |
| -ma ending | el problema | the problem | many Greek-origin words are masculine |
| person nouns | el profesor / la profesora | the teacher | often change with gender |
| fixed gender | la persona | the person | always feminine grammatically |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all -a words are feminineWords like “el día” and “el problema” are masculine.
- Changing fixed-gender words incorrectly“Persona” remains feminine even for a man.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.