datos
“datos” means “facts” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
facts, details
Also: figures
📝 In Action
Necesitamos más datos para entender el problema.
A1We need more facts/information to understand the problem.
Todos los datos históricos confirman esta teoría.
B1All the historical information confirms this theory.
data
Also: personal details
📝 In Action
Se me acabaron los datos del móvil este mes.
B1I ran out of mobile data this month.
Nuestros datos personales están protegidos por la ley.
A2Our personal details/data are protected by law.
La base de datos del servidor colapsó anoche.
B2The server database crashed last night.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: datos
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish phrase correctly translates 'The data is confusing'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *datum*, which means 'something given.' This root explains why 'datos' refers to information that has been provided or collected for use.
First recorded: Medieval Latin usage evolved into Spanish 'dato.'
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
If 'datos' means 'data,' how do I say 'a piece of data'?
You can use the singular form, 'un dato.' For example, 'Tengo un dato importante' (I have one important piece of information/data).
Can I use 'información' instead of 'datos'?
Yes, often. 'Información' is singular and uncountable and often interchangeable with the general sense of 'datos.' However, when referring to measured or quantifiable statistics (especially in tech), 'datos' is usually the better choice.