When does one use an article when talking about a person?
When does one use an article when talking about a person? For example, my sister has to make a speech. In spanish, she has to say "It is our honor to dedicate this to Sra. Smith." Would she say "Es nuestro honor a dedicar esto a la Sra. Smith"? Is the "la" needed before Sra. Smith?
2 Answers
Hello, there. I think you are supposed to use the "la" here. Also, in this case, that "la" is not a direct pronoun, but an article (I read it as "the Mrs. Smith" - I don't know why it's like that, though - formalities and politeness, I suppose)*. I forget the reason, but I think unless you're talking to the actual person (i.e., "Oh, hello Mrs. Smith"/"Ah, hola Sra. Smith"), then you'll use the "la" (or "el Sr."/"al Sr." for a man); that is, when they are the recipient of the action or you just talking about them to someone (I think).
One suggestion: I would say "Tenemos el honor" instead.
*I found some info at these links which I hope you find helpful and more clear.
- SD Dictionary (read their comments)
- Spanish Language Guide (read the 4th and 5th group of examples)
I agree with Goldie that "tenemos el honor" is probably more often used.
That aside, I'm fascinated by the question; it seems to me that the answer is something that can only be learned or instinctive. I do know that I would not say "a Sra Smith" but would be comfortable with "a la Sra Smith". Perhaps it's just a question of what sounds right. I know I should ask my "kids" about this as they learnt their Spanish as the native language but I doubt that they would remember exactly what (el?) Sr Muñoz taught them so long ago.
