The gender of Spanish nouns: masculine and feminine
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for freeWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
The general rule states that all Spanish nouns are masculine or feminine.
Words ending in -o are generally masculine, while ones ending in -a are generally feminine. The articles which accompany a masculine noun are el (definite) / uno (indefinite), while the feminine ones are la (definite) / una (indefinite).
Masculine nouns ending in -o | Feminine nouns ending in -a |
---|---|
|
|
Usually words with the following endings are masculine:
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Besides, nouns that designate male beings generally end in -o.
Examples:
However, nouns that designate male beings may have other endings:
Examples:
Although nouns ending in -a are mostly feminine, some of them are masculine.
Note that nouns ending in -ía, -ma, -ama, -ema, -oma have similar spelling and meaning in both English and Spanish.
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ía | El día (day) |
-ma | El clima (weather, climate) |
-ama | El programa (programme) |
-ema | El problema (problem) |
-oma | El idioma (language) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ambre | El hambre (hunger) |
-aje | El lenguaje (language) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-or | El amor (love) |
-án | El refrán (proverb) |
Certain groups of nouns are masculine.
Noun groups | Examples | English translation |
---|---|---|
Days of weeks / months of the year | El lunes me voy a la universidad. Éste ha sido un octubre lleno de sorpresas. | On Monday I'm going to university. This has been an October full of surprises. |
Compound nouns | El paraguas El lavavajillas | Umbrella Dishwasher |
Colours | El azul El amarillo | Blue Yellow |
Infinitives as nouns | El hacer ejercicio es muy recomendable. | Working out is advisable. |
Rivers / seas / oceans | El río Támesis está en Londres. | The Thames River is in London. |
Trees
| El naranjo
La naranja | Orange tree
Orange |
Usually words with the following endings are feminine:
Besides, nouns which designate female beings generally end in -a.
Examples:
However, nouns that designate female beings may have other endings:
Example:
La mujer (woman)
Although nouns ending in -o are mostly masculine, some of them are feminine. Except for mano, most of them are abbreviations of compound nouns.
Examples:
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-dad | La calidad (quality) |
-tad | La amistad (friendship) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ción | La calefacción (heating) |
-sión | La decisión (decision) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-ie | La serie (serie) |
-eza | La naturaleza (nature) |
-sis | La crisis (crisis) |
-itis | La laringitis (laryngitis) |
Endings | Examples |
---|---|
-tud | La virtud (virtue) |
-umbre | La certidumbre (certainty) |
Endings | Use | Example |
---|---|---|
-e | using for both masculine and feminine nouns | El examen (exam) La clase (class)
|
-a -ante -e -ista | using for both masculine and feminine nouns designating individuals and professions
| El/La atleta (athlete) El/La cantante (singer) El/La intérprete (interpreter) El/la dentista (dentist) |
-és -ón -or < -a | using for professions, animals, people
| El inglés/La inglesa (Englishman/Englishwoman) El campeón/La campeona (champion) El profesor/La profesora (professor)
|
/ | invariable nouns: the article does not change | El ángel (angel) La victima (victim) |
/ | invariable nouns: the article identify the gender | El/La turista (tourist) El/La joven (young man/youngwoman) |
Feminine nouns which begin with a stressed -a or -ha take the masculine definite article in their singular form.
Examples:
The following goup of nouns include some common words:
Masculine form | Femnine form |
---|---|
El actor (actor) | La actriz (actress) |
El padre (father) | La madre (mother) |
El marido / esposo (husband) | La esposa (wife) |
El padre (father) | La madre (mother) |
El príncipe (prince) | La princesa (princess) |
El héroe (hero) | La heroína (heroine) |
El rey (king) | La reína (queen) |
Masculine form | Feminine form |
---|---|
El capital - capital (money) | La capital - city |
El corte - cut | La corte - court |
El cura - priest | La cura - cure |
El editorial - newspaper editorial | La editorial - publishing house |
El frente - front | La frente - forehead |
El guía - guide | La guía - female guide, telephone guide, guidebook |
El policía - police officer | La policía - the police force |
Fill in the missing definite articles.
1- exposición (exposition, exhibit)
2- hombre (man)
3- costumbre (habit)
4- ambientalista (environmentalist)
5- blanco (white)
6- cantidad (quantity)
7- madre (mother)
8- amor (love)
9- capital (capital city)
10- problema (problem)
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
-a
La certid___ (certainty)
-umbre
-ambre
El agu__ (water)
-a
-o
La profes__ (professor)
-or
-ora
El maestr__ (teacher)
-o
-a
La man__ (hand)
-a
-o
La educa___ (education)
-ción
-cián
El carter__ (mailman)
-a
-o
El lengu___ (language)
-aje
-eza
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
-omo
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
La certid___ (certainty)
-umbre
El agu__ (water)
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-or
El maestr__ (teacher)
-o
La man__ (hand)
-o
La educa___ (education)
-ción
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
El lengu___ (language)
-aje
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
Fill in the missing definite articles.
1- exposición (exposition, exhibit)
2- hombre (man)
3- costumbre (habit)
4- ambientalista (environmentalist)
5- blanco (white)
6- cantidad (quantity)
7- madre (mother)
8- amor (love)
9- capital (capital city)
10- problema (problem)
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
-a
La certid___ (certainty)
-ambre
-umbre
El agu__ (water)
-o
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-ora
-or
El maestr__ (teacher)
-a
-o
La man__ (hand)
-a
-o
La educa___ (education)
-cián
-ción
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
-a
El lengu___ (language)
-eza
-aje
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
-omo
El bolígraf__ (pen)
-o
La certid___ (certainty)
-umbre
El agu__ (water)
-a
La profes__ (professor)
-or
El maestr__ (teacher)
-o
La man__ (hand)
-o
La educa___ (education)
-ción
El carter__ (mailman)
-o
El lengu___ (language)
-aje
El idi___ (langauge)
-oma
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Fabrizio is involved in his job. His courses are very structured and complete. Students learn grammar with some texts and pictures, practice it with exercises and then have vocabulary sheets.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena is great to have as a teacher. She takes her time to explain and adjust her course to your pace.
Elena P.
![]()
I appreciate your feedback, Bram. Thank you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I can help you with preparation for IELTS and TEFL; for your high school or university exam. We can work on your academic and business English, or we can just work it out until you are confident enough, no need for stressing for exams.
I have 4 years of experience as a mentor of an autistic teenager. I dived more into teaching English during my work in Colombia as part of my project for environmental education.
I realized how important it is to have a good time when learning English. I am always talking to my students about THEIR interests and fears; about what do they want to improve and what do they like to do. I design the lessons for the student; then the learning happens on its own.
I want to hear what do you think? Don't worry, we are in this together. I know how nice it is to be confident in your English, and I want to help you enjoy it, too!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ivona is a motivated and dynamic young English teacher that loves to see her students become more confident with a new language and also loves to see the new opportunities that this gained knowledge opens up for them. This motivation will catch you 100%, and you are guaranteed to have a fun, interactive and most important a perfectly tailored English lesson. So, book your first lesson with Ivona right now to learn English in a fun and engaging way that is perfectly adapted to your needs and wishes.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Tiera, and I am a native English speaker from Dallas, Texas, in the United States. I have over three years of in-person teaching experience with young learners aged 4-14. I also have a 120-hour TEFL certificate earned in August 2020. I have a high school diploma and spent approximately three years studying criminal justice and Spanish at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
My philosophy is simple; teach with compassion, patience and confidence and your students will be greatly rewarded. I teach all levels of English learners, with young children and adults alike. I love to talk about sports, food, and nature in my classes. I prefer to use TPR, or the “total physical response” method with young learners because it is engaging and interactive. I can assist with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as conversational English. This can include “free talk” topics as specific as interview English, business English, or anything that interests the students. I can also assist students with pronunciation and accent advising.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Tiera is a very friendly teacher and especially well prepared for teaching kids. I can surely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Tiera G.
Thanks Henrik!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi,
I'm Poppy, 21, from England and I'm currently studying English, French and Spanish at Uni in Strasbourg, France.
I studied up until the age of 18 in Britain and am now living a bilingual life here in France, so I know the obstacles when it comes to learning a foreign language.
I have a qualification in teaching English (TEFL) and have been teaching for the past 6 months on another English-learning website called Cambly where i have met people from all over the world, some total beginners in English and others close to fluency.
I like students to be at ease during classes and the best way to do that, in my opinion, is to build a friendship and speak about the topics which interest them most, but of course in English! I am very flexible and sometimes read news articles with students which lead to discussions or Youtube videos from their favourite youtuber. The most important thing is to inspire the student to start speaking- once he/she does, we can start correcting their mistakes.
I also like to show students why being bilingual is such an amazing skill to have and how it can change your life prospects.
Poppy :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Poppy is an original and young English teacher ! She has good teaching materials gathering videos, texts and audio. Poppy teaches with good energy and a big smile ! Students can improve their English thank to attractive lessons and exercises based on their demands and level.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone!
My name is Wanda, I'm 27 and I'm French.
I have a Master's Degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the University of Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, as well as 3 years of teaching experience (face-to-face, remote courses, or group classes).
I can teach you everything from grammar to culture, but I am particularly able to help you get a better pronunciation! Indeed, I also have a Master's Degree in Linguistics, for which I wrote a thesis about the pronunciation of people learning French as a foreign language =)
Regarding pronunciation, I'll help you without any judgment and only if you express the need to improve!
I studied one year in Japan (Osaka) where I gave French classes at the University of Kansai. During this time, I met a lot of people from various background and I became very open-minded and comfortable with different cultures.
What I like the most in teaching French is getting to meet and know people from different cultures =)
So, I'll be waiting for you! =)
See you soon,
Wanda
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Wanda is a professional native French teacher that can help you to master the language! She has a lot of experience with individual and group lessons and great learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! Daniel Lane here!
I am a fully qualified EFL teacher with a degree in Spanish Philosophy, and a CELTA.
6 years teaching experience, teaching all ages, but specialist with ages 11+ of all levels and with Cambridge/ certificado de idiomas.
My methods are focused on generating a good teacher- student relationship and making classes as dynamic and as interesting as possible. I use a mainly visual approach and encourage as much creativity as possible.
I like to use a combination of articles online plus a variety of presentations which are as interactive as possible. Text books are sometimes used to reinforce certain things taught in class.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniel is a very competent teacher, who I can really recommend. He is experienced and well equipped to prepare various language certificates or exams with you.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am Susana or just call me Su, I grew up in Venezuela but my family is from Portugal, and I have been teaching in Madrid since 3 years ago. According to my students I am patient, dedicated and arrive to each class with a positive and happy attitude. As a teacher I am optimistic and enthusiastic and always try to transmit a boundless energy and yet straight-forward -guide. I know how to handle the change for different situations and to be flexible to every one according to their needs and goals.
The classes are a wonderful balance of textbook work and general speaking and reading, which is great to help with pronunciation and real life Spanish conversations.
The only I ask from students is that they want to learn and to share their stories as I will
I hold a Certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. My bachelor degree is Modern Languages from Universidad de Margarita but still I am learning everyday speacially from my students.
I started my experience as an assistant Spanish teacher at CELA Spanish School in Margarita island, eight years ago. Then I moved to London for one year and worked as one to one Spanish tutor. Today I am currently living in Madrid and work as a Spanish Teacher
on line. Hope I can meet you and help you in this beautiful process. See you soon!!!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Susana is a really nice teacher, with experience teaching both online and in person. She structures her classes in a different way according to her student's level, but she always covers each one of the language learning skills. Her teaching materials are good and she also does a great use of online tools.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Professional teacher of German and Russian language, graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature.
I work as a high school and private teacher for teenagers, adults, companies.
I got my C2 Level Certificate Goethe Institut - German Language in 2020.
Professional examiner ÖSD Zertifikat (Austrian German Certificate) for the levels A2, B1, B2, C1 (2021-2022).
One-on-one lessons, group lessons, flexible for student's needs at all levels A1 A2 B1 B2 C1.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Andrea is a very well-structured teacher. He is very passionate about teaching and multilingual. I can really recommend him to anyone.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Learn Arabic with a native speaker! Arabic is a beautiful, poetic language and I'm happy to spread my love for this language to others. I will use everyday materials; texts, images, videos and audio files to help you learn, speak and use the language in everyday contexts. Weather you are a beginner or have a basic knwoledge of Arabic, I will customize your learning experience to teach you grammar and vocabulary you will actually use in life or at work. Moreover, I can teach you the Jordanian/Palestinian dialect and help you understand the rest of the Levant and the egyptian dialects.
Tell me why you're interested in learning Arabic, register for a free first lesson!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maysa is a new teacher and ready to teach beginners in Arabic. I had a great time speaking to her and can definitely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Maysa O.
Thank you Henrik, I had a great time speaking to you as well!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everybody !
My name is Esther, I am a Spanish native and I live in Salamanca.
I have been a Spanish teacher for 4 years. I have experience with both children, adolescents and adults. My goal is to adapt to your needs and create entertaining and personalized classes. As they are personalized classes, your learning will be faster because we will focus our efforts on those things that you should improve, also, the classes will be entertaining, my goal is that you have fun while you learn. No boring classes! In our first class, we will talk about your goals and interests and we will specify your level of Spanish, in this way, we can advance your learning by talking about topics that really interest you.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Esther is a very good Spanish teacher. She has good learning materials and she teach in a fun way. Plus she is always smiling and she always encourage you.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Domenico is a nice teacher, passionate about modern languages but also about Latin. He organizes highly personalized classes according to his students' needs and level. He creates interesting conversations to make the student talk about real-life topics, trying to vary as much as possible.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have been through many Spanish tutors online. Montserrat is by far the most creative and fun to learn with.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hey there,
Let me tell you quickly something about me and what I do.
I am a translator by training and a compulsive traveler by birth. I love cats and salsa music. English has always been my passion and I'm here to help other people feel confident when speaking, writing and working with this language.
My teaching method is a very personal mix made of tips and methods taken from different schools of thought, many first-hand experiences I have had in the field, all combined with my mission to help students overcome their fears and blocks when it comes to English.
In my classes you will have the advantage of feeling well looked after - my preparation in cultural and language studies allows me to listen to and understand the challenges students from different linguistic backgrounds face.
If this sounds like you, let's start working together.
With dedication,
Elisabetta
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elisabetta is a professional teacher and a very nice person. She's been working as a translator and then she found her vocation in teaching. Elisabetta's approach is very practical and effective, paying great attention to every part of the language learning process. She is both organized and creative, wanting to keep her students' attention high.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Fabrizio is involved in his job. His courses are very structured and complete. Students learn grammar with some texts and pictures, practice it with exercises and then have vocabulary sheets.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena is great to have as a teacher. She takes her time to explain and adjust her course to your pace.
Elena P.
![]()
I appreciate your feedback, Bram. Thank you!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I can help you with preparation for IELTS and TEFL; for your high school or university exam. We can work on your academic and business English, or we can just work it out until you are confident enough, no need for stressing for exams.
I have 4 years of experience as a mentor of an autistic teenager. I dived more into teaching English during my work in Colombia as part of my project for environmental education.
I realized how important it is to have a good time when learning English. I am always talking to my students about THEIR interests and fears; about what do they want to improve and what do they like to do. I design the lessons for the student; then the learning happens on its own.
I want to hear what do you think? Don't worry, we are in this together. I know how nice it is to be confident in your English, and I want to help you enjoy it, too!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ivona is a motivated and dynamic young English teacher that loves to see her students become more confident with a new language and also loves to see the new opportunities that this gained knowledge opens up for them. This motivation will catch you 100%, and you are guaranteed to have a fun, interactive and most important a perfectly tailored English lesson. So, book your first lesson with Ivona right now to learn English in a fun and engaging way that is perfectly adapted to your needs and wishes.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Tiera, and I am a native English speaker from Dallas, Texas, in the United States. I have over three years of in-person teaching experience with young learners aged 4-14. I also have a 120-hour TEFL certificate earned in August 2020. I have a high school diploma and spent approximately three years studying criminal justice and Spanish at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
My philosophy is simple; teach with compassion, patience and confidence and your students will be greatly rewarded. I teach all levels of English learners, with young children and adults alike. I love to talk about sports, food, and nature in my classes. I prefer to use TPR, or the “total physical response” method with young learners because it is engaging and interactive. I can assist with correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as conversational English. This can include “free talk” topics as specific as interview English, business English, or anything that interests the students. I can also assist students with pronunciation and accent advising.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Tiera is a very friendly teacher and especially well prepared for teaching kids. I can surely recommend her as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Tiera G.
Thanks Henrik!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials