El Meaning in English
word
Definition
In Spanish, el is the masculine singular word for “the” used before many masculine nouns. It can also refer to the name of the letter L in English.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly, learners see it as the Spanish article in phrases like 'el libro' or 'el niño'. Do not confuse el (article) with Spanish 'él' (pronoun meaning 'he'); the accent changes the meaning. As an English word, it is rare outside spelling or language discussion.
Example Sentences
In Spanish class, we learned that el means “the” for many masculine nouns.
basic
The word el comes before “libro” in the phrase “el libro.”
basic
Please write the letter name el on the board.
basic
Her teacher said, “Use el here, because the noun is masculine.”
natural
Wait, is it el without an accent, or él with one?
natural
I always mix up el and él when I write in Spanish.
natural