The grammatical ending used in Spanish to correspond to the English pronoun “they” depends entirely on the gender and number of the group being referred to. For a group composed entirely of males or a mixed-gender group, the masculine plural ending ‘-os’ is generally used. For example, “ellos” means “they” (masculine or mixed). If the group is composed entirely of females, the feminine plural ending ‘-as’ is used. Thus, “ellas” signifies “they” (feminine).
The correct application of these grammatical endings ensures accurate and unambiguous communication in Spanish. Choosing the appropriate form demonstrates grammatical correctness and avoids potential misinterpretations. Historically, the distinction between masculine and feminine plural endings has been a fundamental aspect of Spanish grammar, reflecting the language’s gendered nature.
