décimo
“décimo” means “tenth” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
tenth
Also: 10th
📝 In Action
Vivo en el décimo piso de este edificio.
A1I live on the tenth floor of this building.
Hoy celebramos nuestro décimo aniversario.
A2Today we celebrate our tenth anniversary.
Es la décima vez que te llamo hoy.
B1It's the tenth time I've called you today.
lottery ticket
Also: tenth
📝 In Action
He comprado un décimo para el sorteo de Navidad.
B1I bought a lottery ticket for the Christmas draw.
¿Quieres compartir un décimo con nosotros?
B2Do you want to share a lottery ticket with us?
Solo me falta un décimo para completar la colección.
C1I'm only missing one tenth to complete the collection.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: décimo
Question 1 of 3
If you are standing in a line and there are 9 people in front of you, what position are you in?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'decimus,' which comes from 'decem' (meaning 'ten'). It has been used in Spanish since the language's earliest days to denote rank and order.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'décimo' always used for dates?
No. While you use it for anniversaries, for the day of the month, Spanish usually uses regular numbers (el diez de mayo) instead of ordinals, except for 'el primero' (the first).
What is the difference between 'décimo' and 'diezmo'?
'Décimo' is the number 'tenth' or a lottery ticket. 'Diezmo' is specifically a tithe or a tax of 10% given to a church or authority.
Do I need to shorten 'décimo' like 'primero' becomes 'primer'?
No! Unlike 'primero' (first) or 'tercero' (third), 'décimo' stays exactly the same before a masculine noun. You say 'el décimo piso,' not 'el décim piso.'