a
word
/ˈeɪ/, /ə/
AY, uh
/æɪ/
AY
Definition
The indefinite article used before words starting with a consonant sound to refer to one single, non-specific item or person.
Usage & Nuances
Only used before consonant sounds, not vowels. Use 'an' before vowels instead. Used to introduce something for the first time. Common with singular countable nouns.
Spanish: un - unaPortuguese (BR): um - umaPortuguese (PT): um - umaChinese (Simplified): 一个Chinese (Traditional): 一個Hindi: एकArabic: واحد - واحدةBengali: একটা - একটিRussian: один - какой-тоJapanese: 一つの - あるVietnamese: mộtKorean: 하나의Turkish: birUrdu: ایکIndonesian: sebuah - satu
Example Sentences
She bought a book.
basic
There is a chair in the room.
basic
He wants to buy a new phone.
natural
I have a dog.
basic
She is reading a story right now.
natural
I need a break after work.
natural