The term "gli" is an Italian article that translates to "the" in English. It is used specifically before plural masculine nouns that begin with a vowel or certain consonant clusters. For example, in the phrase "gli amici," it refers to "the friends," indicating a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group. In Italian grammar, "gli" is part of the definite articles, which also include "il," "la," and "i." Understanding how to use "gli" correctly is essential for proper sentence structure and communication in the Italian language, especially when discussing groups of people or objects.