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frase

FRAH-seh/ˈfɾase/

“frase” means “phrase” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

phrase, sentence

Also: expression
NounfA1
A small, friendly blue bird sitting on a branch. Three distinct, colorful, geometric shapes (a circle, a square, and a triangle) are floating together in a connected chain, emanating from the bird's beak, representing a short phrase.

📝 In Action

Escribe una frase sencilla en el cuaderno.

A1

Write a simple sentence in the notebook.

Esta frase tiene un error de puntuación.

A2

This phrase has a punctuation error.

Necesito aprender algunas frases básicas para el viaje.

A1

I need to learn some basic phrases for the trip.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • oración (sentence (formal, technical))
  • expresión (expression)

Common Collocations

  • una frase hecha – a set phrase/cliché
  • construir una frase – to construct a sentence

quote

Also: motto
NounfB1
A wise, large brown owl sitting on a stack of books, looking thoughtful. A single, distinct, glowing golden orb is floating right above the owl's head, signifying a memorable saying or quote.

📝 In Action

Su frase favorita es 'Carpe Diem'.

B1

His favorite quote is 'Carpe Diem'.

El presidente terminó su discurso con una frase inspiradora.

B2

The president finished his speech with an inspiring quote.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cita (citation/quote)
  • aforismo (aphorism)

Common Collocations

  • frase célebre – famous quote
  • frase lapidaria – pithy/concise saying

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "frase" in Spanish:

expression→motto→phrase→quote→sentence→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: frase

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish word is generally used for a complete grammatical unit that contains a subject and a conjugated verb?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
frasear(to phrase/to express) — Verb
fraseología(phraseology/set phrases) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Late Latin word *phrasis*, which itself came from Greek. It originally meant 'a way of speaking' or 'diction.'

First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

English: phraseFrench: phrase

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'frase' feminine or masculine?

'Frase' is a feminine noun, so you always use the feminine article: 'la frase' or 'una frase'.

Can I use 'frase' to mean 'sentence'?

Yes, absolutely! In casual conversation, 'frase' is commonly used to mean 'sentence.' If you are writing a formal essay or discussing grammar rules, 'oración' is technically more precise for a complete sentence.