cierta
“cierta” means “a certain” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
a certain
Also: some
📝 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.
true
Also: certain
📝 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.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cierta
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cierta' to mean 'true' or 'correct'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *certus*, which meant 'determined,' 'fixed,' or 'sure.' The meaning evolved in Spanish to cover both 'sure/true' (when placed after the noun) and 'unspecified' (when placed before the noun).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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').