Is "definite article" always needed before a noun?
2
votes
If I want to say "I like to read books" and "I like to listen to music" in Spanish, is "definite article" always needed before the noun? Which of the following are correct? The three translators offered by SpanishDict give me both.
- Me gusta leer libros.
- Me gusta leer los libros.
- Me gusta escuchar música.
- Me gusta escuchar la música.
1940 views
updated May 3, 2013
posted by joygogo
Great question. Thank you. - 0095ca4c, May 2, 2013
1 Answer
4
votes
Great question. The use of the definite article would depend on whether or not your statement was precise or loose in context.
Me gusta leer libros and Me escucha escuhar música are general statements that do not require the definite articles.
Me gusta leer los libros or Me gusta escuchar la música would require a complement to make them more precise.
Ex: Me gusta leer los libros de Gabriel García Márquez.
Me gusta escuchar la música de Beethoven.
I hope this helps!
updated May 3, 2013
edited by francobollo
posted by francobollo
Yes it does - gohern, May 2, 2013
Yes, it is a good question and your answer at least helped me. - kirk1, May 2, 2013
Hi franco, I could never find a good rule of thumb for the use of articles. Your answer has certainly helped a lot. You should write a book called 'Little Tips' for Spanish Students! Thank you very much! - 0095ca4c, May 2, 2013
Many thanks! I got it! - joygogo, May 3, 2013
