Inklingo
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ciertas

/SYEHR-tas/

certain

A hand points toward three specific, colorful apples among a larger basket filled with mixed fruit, illustrating the concept of selecting 'certain' items.

When 'ciertas' means 'certain' (unspecified or particular), it refers to specific but unnamed items, like selecting certain apples from a basket.

ciertas(Adjective)

fA2

certain

?

unspecified or particular

,

some

?

a few, not all

Also:

a few

?

limited number

📝 In Action

Necesitamos revisar ciertas cláusulas del contrato.

A2

We need to review certain clauses of the contract.

Ciertas personas siempre llegan tarde a las reuniones.

B1

Certain people always arrive late to meetings.

Hay ciertas cosas que es mejor no preguntar.

A2

There are some things it's better not to ask.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • algunas (some)
  • determinadas (specific)

Common Collocations

  • ciertas cosas – certain things
  • ciertas reglas – certain rules

💡 Grammar Points

Placement is Key (Before Noun)

When 'ciertas' comes before the noun (like 'ciertas amigas'), it means 'some' or 'a specific, but unnamed, group.' This is the most common way to use this word.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'algunas' for emphasis

Mistake: "Using 'algunas' when you want to emphasize that the group or item is specific but kept secret (e.g., 'Algunas razones son secretas')."

Correction: 'Ciertas razones son secretas' is often better when you want to hint that the reasons exist but won't be revealed.

⭐ Usage Tips

Generalizing Politely

Using 'ciertas' often sounds slightly more formal or professional than 'algunas' when referring to unspecified people or topics.

A close-up view of two brightly colored, complex puzzle pieces interlocking perfectly without any gaps, symbolizing accuracy and truth.

'Ciertas' means 'true' or 'factual', like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly, confirming the whole picture.

ciertas(Adjective)

fB1

true

?

accurate or factual

,

sure

?

definitely established

Also:

correct

?

not false

📝 In Action

Necesitamos pruebas ciertas antes de hacer una acusación.

B1

We need true/sure proof before making an accusation.

Las noticias ciertas sobre el evento se publicarán mañana.

B2

The true/accurate news about the event will be published tomorrow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • verdaderas (true)
  • seguras (sure, safe)

Antonyms

  • falsas (false)
  • dudosas (doubtful)

Common Collocations

  • pruebas ciertas – sure proof
  • respuestas ciertas – correct answers

💡 Grammar Points

Placement is Key (After Noun)

When 'ciertas' comes after the noun (like 'respuestas ciertas'), it means 'true' or 'correct.' This meaning confirms the accuracy of the noun.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Misplaced Adjective

Mistake: "Saying 'amigas ciertas' when you mean 'some friends' (which should be 'ciertas amigas')."

Correction: Remember the rule: Before the noun = 'some/unspecified'; After the noun = 'true/accurate'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Confirming Facts

Use this meaning primarily in formal or academic settings where you need to emphasize that information is verifiable and accurate.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ciertas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'ciertas' to mean 'true' or 'accurate'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'ciertas' means 'true' or 'some'?

The position of the word tells you! If 'ciertas' is placed *before* the noun (Ciertas reglas), it means 'some' or 'unspecified.' If it is placed *after* the noun (Reglas ciertas), it means 'true' or 'correct.' This simple rule applies to all forms of 'cierto/a/os/as'.

Why is 'ciertas' always feminine and plural?

'Ciertas' is the feminine plural form of the adjective 'cierto.' It must be used only when describing feminine plural nouns, like 'cosas' (things), 'reglas' (rules), or 'amigas' (friends).