How do you say She/He is a nurse?

Question

Why do some say Ella es una enfermera and others say Ella es enfermera. Which is better?

Welcome to the forum, Ptomb! - sanlee, Feb 7, 2011

Answer 1

Because some are translating directly word-for-word from their native language. "Ella es una enferma" sounds funny in Spanish because it is saying that she is one nurse rather than many. Correct form: Ella es enfermera / ella es abogada / ella es maestra.

If you are going to elaborate, then Dakie's suggestion is also correct.

Answer 2

If you just want to say that she is a nurse you say: Ella es enfermera, but if you are going to add something else you use the first, like : Ella es una enfermera que estudió en cuba or Ella es una enfermera con dos maestrías, por decir algo.

Answer 3

"Enfermero" is the masculine form, according to the dictionary. I cannot put a tilde on the capital E, but "El es enfermero" means "He is a nurse".

Yes you are correct but you should not need to use the personal pronoun since the distinct endings: enfermero or enfermera will make it completely clear :) - FELIZ77, Feb 7, 2011

Es enfermero /es enfermera is suficient - FELIZ77, Feb 7, 2011

Thank you! :) - 0066c384, Feb 7, 2011

To get the tilda on the capital E try holding down the alt key while typing 020. when you release the alt key the É will appear. - Hungerford, Feb 7, 2011

Thank you. I will give it try! - 0066c384, Feb 7, 2011