cien
“cien” means “one hundred” in Spanish (cardinal number).
one hundred
📝 In Action
Necesitamos cien sillas para el evento.
A1We need one hundred chairs for the event.
Mi abuela cumplió cien años la semana pasada.
A2My grandmother turned one hundred years old last week.
El costo de la reparación es cien dólares.
A1The cost of the repair is one hundred dollars.
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Words that translate to "cien" in Spanish:
one hundred→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cien
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'cien'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *centum*, which also meant 'one hundred.' This root is the basis for many counting words and measurements across different European languages, like the English 'cent' or 'century.'
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cien' and 'ciento'?
They both mean 'one hundred.' The key rule is placement: Use 'cien' when it is immediately followed by the noun it counts (e.g., 'cien personas'). Use 'ciento' when it is part of a bigger number (150 = 'ciento cincuenta') or used as a standalone unit (like a percentage: 20%).
Does 'cien' change based on masculine or feminine nouns?
No, 'cien' is invariable, meaning it stays the same regardless of the noun's gender. You say 'cien chicos' and 'cien chicas.' The only gender change is seen in the hundreds themselves (e.g., 'doscientos/doscientas').