docenas

/doh-SEH-nahs/

dozens

Twelve simple, whole brown eggs arranged neatly in two rows of six on a light surface.

Depicting a precise quantity of twelve, which defines 'dozens'.

docenas(noun)

fA1

dozens

quantity of twelve

Also:

groups of twelve

literal count

📝 In Action

Necesito tres docenas de clavos para terminar el proyecto.

I need three dozens (36) nails to finish the project.

Las docenas de rosas estaban frescas y hermosas.

The dozens of roses were fresh and beautiful.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

por docenas – by the dozen
media docena – half a dozen (six)

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Even if you are counting masculine items (like 'clavos'—nails), the word 'docena' (and 'docenas') is always a feminine noun. You must use 'las docenas' or 'dos docenas'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Confusion

Mistake: "Compré dos docenos de huevos."

Correction: Compré dos docenas de huevos. ('Docenas' is always feminine.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Counting Eggs and Baked Goods

This word is most often used when referring to eggs, rolls, pastries, or other small items traditionally sold in multiples of twelve.

A massive, overwhelming pile of brightly colored red apples spilling out dramatically from a small wooden crate onto the ground.

Representing a figurative large amount, or 'loads'.

docenas(noun)

fB1

loads

figurative large amount

Also:

many times

when referring to frequency

📝 In Action

Hemos visitado ese museo docenas de veces.

We have visited that museum dozens of times (meaning: many, many times).

Hay docenas de errores en este informe.

There are dozens of errors in this report (meaning: a lot of errors).

Word Connections

Synonyms

muchos (many)
montones (piles/lots)

Idioms & Expressions

estar a la docena – to be very common or cheap; to be easily found

💡 Grammar Points

Exaggeration

When used figuratively, 'docenas' is a way to exaggerate, similar to how English speakers might say 'millions' or 'tons' to mean 'very many'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Figurative Count

In this context, don't worry about the number 12. If you hear 'docenas de problemas,' it simply means there are a lot of problems.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: docenas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'docenas' figuratively (meaning 'a lot')?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

docena(dozen (singular)) - noun

docenal(dozenal (relating to the number twelve)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'docenas' used more frequently than the exact number (like 'veinticuatro' for 24)?

Yes, often in commerce, especially for traditional goods like eggs or bakery items, it is standard to use 'docena' or 'docenas' rather than the specific numerical count.

How do I use 'docenas' with other quantities?

You use it just like a regular noun: 'dos docenas' (two dozens), 'varias docenas' (several dozens), or 'cientos de docenas' (hundreds of dozens).