de los
Lemma: de los
Translation: of the (masculine plural) (preposition)
Etymology: A contraction of the preposition 'de' (from Latin 'de' meaning 'from, concerning') and the masculine plural definite article 'los' (from Latin 'illos', accusative plural of 'ille' meaning 'that'). This combination forms the genitive construction in Spanish that indicates possession or origin of masculine plural nouns.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'de' as 'of' and 'los' as 'the (plural)', so 'de los' is literally 'of the'.
- Remember that 'los' is used for masculine plural nouns, so 'de los' always precedes masculine plural nouns.
Cultural Context
This is one of the most fundamental grammatical constructions in Spanish, used constantly in everyday speech and writing. Unlike English, Spanish requires the article in many contexts where English would omit it.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'De los' is used before masculine plural nouns, while 'de las' is used before feminine plural nouns.
Confused word:
El color de las camisas
The color of the shirts (feminine)
Notes: The gender of the noun following 'de los/las' determines which form to use.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'los' goes with masculine nouns ending in 'o' (like 'zapatos'), while 'las' goes with feminine nouns ending in 'a' (like 'camisas').
Explanation: 'De los' is used with masculine plural nouns, while 'del' (a contraction of 'de' + 'el') is used with masculine singular nouns.
Confused word:
La opinión del experto
The opinion of the expert
Notes: The number (singular vs. plural) of the noun determines whether to use 'del' or 'de los'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'del' as singular (one letter 'l') and 'de los' as plural (multiple letters).