then
vs
the

QUICK ANSWER

"Then" is an adverb which is often translated as "entonces", and "the" is a definite article which is often translated as "el". Learn more about the difference between "then" and "the" below.

then(

thehn

)

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).

adverb

1. (in that case)

a. entonces

If you eat healthy food, then you won't get sick.Si comes comida sana, entonces no te enfermarás.

2. (at that moment)

a. entonces

Make sure to finish your work by then.Asegúrate de terminar tu trabajo para entonces.

3. (next)

a. luego

Now it's my turn, then yours.Ahora es mi turno, luego el tuyo.

An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).

adjective

4. (at that time)

a. entonces

When I was a teenager, the then president visited my parents' restaurant.Cuando era menor, el entonces presidente visitó el restaurante de mis padres.

the(

thuh

)

A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).

definite article

1. (general)

a. el (singular, masculine)

The pencil is in the drawer.El lápiz está en el cajón.

b. la (singular, feminine)

The ball is on the floor.La pelota está en el piso.

c. los (plural, masculine)

I like all the dresses in the store.Me gustan todos los vestidos de la tienda.