Is it not correct to say "las nueces" in the sentence translated from "I like eating nuts and honey?"
Spanish nouns that end in a consonant and refer to inanimate objects are generally masculine, although there are some exceptions. Look at these examples:
Remember that you cannot predict the gender of inanimate objects, it needs to be memorised.
Whatever the gender, they all form their plural by adding -es.
Read and listen to these examples:
See also:
- Forming regular masculine and feminine nouns (singular and plural)
- Gender of nouns ending in -umbre, -ión, -dad, -tad, -tis and -sis and their plural
- Gender of living creatures
Examples and resources
Q&A Forum 2 questions, 2 answers
InmaKwiziq team member
Hola Shannon,
for this sentence "I like eating nuts and honey" we would say:
"Me gusta comer nueces y miel."
We omit the article "las" because we are talking in general; we are not talking about some specific walnuts. If it was a bit more specific, with more information about the walnuts then you may find the article, for example:
Me gusta comer las nueces que tú me traes todas las semanas.
I like eating the walnuts that you bring me every week.
Saludos,
Inma
Shannon asked:View original
Using the article "las"
Is it not correct to say "las nueces" in the sentence translated from "I like eating nuts and honey?"
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ZiaKwiziq community member
Predictability
To me it sounds a bit contradictive in this lesson: first, you say "nouns that end in a consonant and refer to inanimate objects are generally masculine" and then you continue with "you cannot predict the gender of inanimate objects".
I have no problem with having to memorize things, but I think that first part may be confusing to some, so it might be better to just leave it out.
I'm very much enjoying the lessons in general though. ¡Gracias!
Asked 10 months ago
InmaKwiziq team member
Hola Zia,
I understand what you are saying, but with gender in Spanish, we always talk about a specific ending of a word being generally masculine or feminine, although there are exceptions in pretty much all cases. Generally speaking, there are a lot more masculine nouns that end in consonant (except for -d and -z), this is why we chose to use the word "generally", but we always mention any very commonly used noun in the lesson if that is an exception to the rule. We also try to avoid testing on exceptions unless it has specifically been mentioned in the lesson.
We really appreciate your comments and suggestions, and we are glad to hear you are enjoying learning with Kwiziq.
Saludos
Inma
Zia asked:View original
Predictability
To me it sounds a bit contradictive in this lesson: first, you say "nouns that end in a consonant and refer to inanimate objects are generally masculine" and then you continue with "you cannot predict the gender of inanimate objects".
I have no problem with having to memorize things, but I think that first part may be confusing to some, so it might be better to just leave it out.
I'm very much enjoying the lessons in general though. ¡Gracias!
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