Using un, una to say a/an in Spanish (singular indefinite articles)

The article "a/an" in Spanish

Look at these examples.

Ana compra una planta.Ana buys a plant.

Eso es un paraguas.That is an umbrella.

Es un excelente actor.He is an excellent actor.

¡Tengo una idea!I have an idea!

Note that to express a/an + [singular noun] in Spanish, you use either un or una, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to, as follows:

una for feminine singular nouns
un for masculine singular nouns

You can never use uno, instead of un.

Tengo uno coche.

Tengo un coche.

Uno is not an article, but the actual number one, and it works as a pronoun. See also Using numbers as pronouns in Spanish.
It is important to remember that in Spanish, like in all Latin languages, every noun is either masculine or feminine.
and Using los or las to say "the" in Spanish (plural definite articles)

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Examples and resources

Eso es un paraguas.That is an umbrella.
¡Tengo una idea!I have an idea!
Es un excelente actor.He is an excellent actor.
Ana compra una planta.Ana buys a plant.
Clever stuff happening!