cierta
/SYEHR-tah/
a certain
When we refer to cierta thing, we mean 'a certain' unspecified or particular item.
cierta(Adjective)
a certain
?unspecified or particular
some
?a specific but unnamed quantity or instance
📝 In Action
Existe cierta preocupación en la oficina.
A2There is a certain concern in the office.
Me dio cierta información que no puedo revelar.
B1She gave me some information I cannot reveal.
Una cierta energía la impulsó a actuar.
B1A certain energy pushed her to act.
💡 Grammar Points
Position Matters (Before Noun)
When 'cierta' comes before the feminine noun (e.g., 'cierta cosa'), it means 'some' or 'unspecified.' It tells you the thing exists, but we don't know (or care) exactly which one.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Position
Mistake: "Using 'preocupación cierta' when you mean 'some concern.'"
Correction: Always put 'cierta' *before* the noun when you mean 'unspecified' (e.g., 'cierta preocupación').
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Indefinite
Think of 'cierta' here as a polite or vague way to mention something specific without needing to name it or quantify it precisely.
Cierta can also mean something is 'true' or correct.
📝 In Action
La noticia era cierta, no falsa.
B1The news was true, not false.
Tengo la certeza cierta de que volverá.
B2I have the absolute certainty that she will return.
Su alegría no era falsa, era cierta.
B1Her happiness wasn't fake, it was real/true.
💡 Grammar Points
Position Matters (After Noun)
When 'cierta' comes after the feminine noun (e.g., 'noticia cierta'), it describes the noun's quality, meaning 'true' or 'correct.' This is the standard position for adjectives that state a permanent quality.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misinterpreting Position
Mistake: "Thinking 'cierta noticia' means 'true news'."
Correction: 'Noticia cierta' means 'true news'; 'cierta noticia' means 'some unspecified news'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Quality
If you are using 'cierta' to confirm the reality or honesty of something, always place it after the noun it modifies.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cierta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cierta' to mean 'true' or 'correct'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'cierta' mean the same thing as 'cierto'?
'Cierta' is just the feminine version of 'cierto.' They follow the same rule: before a feminine noun (cierta cosa) means 'a certain/some thing,' and after a feminine noun (la cosa cierta) means 'the true/sure thing.' You use 'cierta' only with feminine nouns.
What is the most important rule to remember when using 'cierta'?
The position of the word is everything! Before the noun means 'unspecified' (like 'some'), and after the noun means 'verified' (like 'true').