ella
A1 (extremely high frequency, one of the first words learned)Neutral, used in all registers from formal to informal. The alternative form 'ella' as a subject pronoun is often omitted in everyday speech, as verb endings usually indicate the person.
Definition
Meaning
The third person singular feminine pronoun in Spanish, equivalent to 'she' or 'her' in English.
Used as a subject pronoun to refer to a specific female person or entity previously mentioned or understood. In some contexts, especially in poetry or older usage, can be used for objects personified as feminine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes female gender. Must agree in gender with the noun it replaces. Used for people, animals with assigned female gender, and sometimes personified objects of feminine grammatical gender (e.g., 'la mesa' -> 'ella' if personified).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a Spanish word, there is no direct British vs. American English usage difference. However, English-speaking learners must note it is a foreign language term, not an English word.
Connotations
No specific connotations in English, other than being recognized as a common Spanish word.
Frequency
High frequency in Spanish language materials and instruction in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + Verb + (Object)Preposition + ellaElla + [copulative verb] + adjective/nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ella que ella (She who she is - implying her characteristic behavior)”
- “De ella para allá (From her to there - meaning a private matter involving her)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in professional correspondence and conversation when referring to a female colleague, client, or entity.
Academic
Used in linguistic examples, literature analysis of Spanish texts, and general language instruction.
Everyday
Fundamental for basic communication in Spanish to refer to any female person.
Technical
Used in grammatical explanations as the label for the third person singular feminine subject pronoun.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Ella habla español con fluidez.
- Ella vive en Barcelona.
American English
- Ella trabaja desde casa.
- Ella conduce un coche híbrido.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Ella' is a pronoun, not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'Ella' is a pronoun, not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'Ella' is a pronoun, not an adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'Ella' is a pronoun, not an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Ella es mi amiga.
- Ella tiene un perro.
- ¿Dónde vive ella?
- Ella me dijo que llegaría tarde.
- Aunque ella estudia mucho, a veces se siente insegura.
- Prefiero ir con ella al cine.
- Ella, por su parte, insistió en que se revisaran los protocolos.
- Se rumorea que ella será la próxima directora.
- De no haber sido por ella, el proyecto habría fracasado.
- Ella misma se encargó de desmentir los bulos que circulaban sobre su dimisión.
- La decisión, que ella tomó tras sopesar minuciosamente las consecuencias, resultó ser acertada.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ella' as 'She-lla' (She + Ella). The double 'l' in Spanish is often pronounced like a 'y', which is also the first sound in 'you' for a female.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PERSON IS A CONTAINER (for traits, emotions): 'Ella está llena de alegría.' (She is full of joy.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'это' (eto - this/it). 'Ella' is specifically feminine and personal.
- Remember that Spanish requires gender agreement where Russian does not, so the pronoun choice is mandatory based on the noun's gender, not biological sex for objects.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ella' for masculine subjects or objects.
- Omitting 'a' before 'ella' when it is a personal direct object (e.g., 'Veo a ella').
- Overusing the subject pronoun 'ella' where it is unnecessary because the verb conjugation is clear.
Practice
Quiz
Which English word is 'ella' equivalent to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Ella' is used as the subject of a verb (she). 'La' is used as the direct object pronoun (her). Example: Ella ve el libro. (She sees the book.) Yo la veo. (I see her.)
Yes, very often. Because Spanish verb endings (like -a in 'habla') indicate 'she', the subject pronoun 'ella' is frequently omitted unless needed for emphasis or clarity. 'Habla español' can mean 'She speaks Spanish'.
'Ella' is the third person 'she'. 'Usted' is the formal second person 'you' (singular), though it uses third-person verb forms. Use 'ella' to talk *about* a woman, and 'usted' to talk *to* a person (male or female) formally.
The preposition 'con' (with) combines with 'ella' to form 'con ella'. Example: Voy al cine con ella. (I go to the cinema with her.)