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"Les" is a pronoun which is often translated as "them", and "los" is a definite article which is often translated as "the". Learn more about the difference between "les" and "los" below.
les(
lehs
)
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. them
Les dije que íbamos a ir al cine.I told them we were going to go to the movies.
b. to them
Les devolví los libros ayer.I gave the books back to them yesterday.
2. (third person plural; direct object)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. them
Vi a unos niños haciendo fuego en un solar. - ¿Puedes describirles?I saw some boys light a fire in a vacant lot. - Can you describe them?
3. (second person plural; indirect object)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. you
¡Hola, niños! ¿Qué les trajo Papá Noel?Hi, kids! What did Santa bring you?
b. to you
Ya les di a ustedes los boletos ayer.I already gave the tickets to you yesterday.
4.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(second person plural; direct object)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. you
Alicia irá con ustedes para familiarizarles con nuestras instalaciones.Alicia will accompany you to familiarize you with our facilities.
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los(
lohs
)
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
definite article
a. the
Todos los asientos estaban ocupados.All the seats were taken.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. them
Escoja los plátanos que quiera y póngalos en una caja.Pick the bananas you prefer, and put them in a box.
b. you
Damas y caballeros, un guía los acompañará hasta la entrada.Ladies and gentlemen, a guide will walk you to the entrance.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.