Spanish commonly leaves out the indefinite article after ser when simply naming a profession.
The idea
Say Ana es médica to name the profession. With a descriptive adjective, an article is common: Luis es un médico excelente.
Examples
- Ana es médica.Ana is a doctor.
- Luis es un médico excelente.Luis is an excellent doctor.
- Mi hermana es ingeniera.My sister is an engineer.
- Mi tío es un cocinero creativo.My uncle is a creative cook.
- Somos estudiantes.We are students.
- Elena es una profesora paciente.Elena is a patient teacher.
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Watch out
Do not mechanically add an article when merely identifying an unmodified profession.
Try it yourself
Choose the unmodified profession without an article. Ana es ___. (médica / una médica)
Show answer or example answer
médica
Médica names Ana's profession without an article.
Choose the described profession with an article. Luis es ___. (un médico excelente / médico excelente)
Show answer or example answer
un médico excelente
Un médico excelente describes Luis with an adjective.
Choose the unmodified profession without an article. Mi hermana es ___. (ingeniera / una ingeniera)
Show answer or example answer
ingeniera
Ingeniera names the profession without an article.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the unmodified profession without an article. Ana es ___. (médica / una médica)
Choose the described profession with an article. Luis es ___. (un médico excelente / médico excelente)
Choose the unmodified profession without an article. Mi hermana es ___. (ingeniera / una ingeniera)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Choose the form that fits a plain profession or a profession with a descriptive adjective.