Spanish grammar - Generic use of the definite articles

Generic use of the definite articles

In Spanish, the definite articles el, la, los, and las are used when making generalizations about all members of a category or class of objects or concepts.

This usage is different from English, where articles are often omitted when making general statements about a category.

Examples:
	El café es delicioso. Coffee is delicious. delicioso (adj) means 'delicious'
	La fruta es saludable. Fruit is healthy. fruta (f) means 'fruit' saludable (adj) means 'healthy'
	Los libros son interesantes. Books are interesting.
	Las matemáticas son difíciles. Mathematics are difficult. matemáticas (f, pl) means 'mathematics'
	El vino tinto es bueno para el corazón. Red wine is good for the heart. vino tinto (m) means 'red wine' corazón (m) means 'heart' para means 'for', or 'to' - in this context it expresses a purpose or goal
	La leche es buena para los huesos. Milk is good for the bones. huesos (m, pl) means 'bones'
	Los perros son leales. Dogs are loyal. leal (adj) means 'loyal'
	El azúcar es dulce. Sugar is sweet. azúcar (m) means 'sugar' dulce (adj) means 'sweet'
	Los gatos son independientes. Cats are independent. independiente (adj) means 'independent'
	El queso manchego es famoso. Manchego cheese is famous. queso manchego (m) means 'Manchego cheese' famoso (adj) means 'famous'
	Las estrellas son visibles de noche. Stars are visible at night. estrella (f) means 'star' visible (adj) means 'visible'
	El café con leche tiene leche y café. Café con leche has milk and coffee. café con leche (m) means 'coffee with milk'
	La comida mexicana es picante. Mexican food is spicy. comida mexicana (f) means 'Mexican food' picante (adj) means 'spicy'