número
“número” means “number” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
A figure or digit used for counting or identifying something.
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Specifically for items that use numbers for sizing, like shoes or rings.
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A single edition of a periodical publication like a magazine or journal.
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A performance or routine in a show, like a circus or talent show.
Learn more →numberAlso: figure, numeral
📝 In Action
Mi número favorito es el siete.
A1My favorite number is seven.
¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono?
A1What is your phone number?
La casa tiene el número 24 en la puerta.
A2The house has the number 24 on the door.
El número de participantes superó nuestras expectativas.
B1The number of participants exceeded our expectations.
Word Connections
size
📝 In Action
¿Qué número de zapatos calzas?
A2What shoe size do you wear?
Creo que necesito un número más grande.
A2I think I need a bigger size.
Lo siento, no tenemos ese número en este momento.
B1I'm sorry, we don't have that size at the moment.
Word Connections
issueAlso: copy
📝 In Action
Leí un artículo excelente en el último número de la revista.
B1I read an excellent article in the latest issue of the magazine.
Esta biblioteca tiene todos los números de 'National Geographic' desde 1980.
B2This library has all the issues of 'National Geographic' since 1980.
Word Connections
actAlso: routine, number
📝 In Action
El número de los trapecistas fue el más emocionante de la noche.
B2The trapeze artists' act was the most exciting of the night.
Ahora, para nuestro siguiente número, ¡un mago de fama mundial!
B1Now, for our next act, a world-famous magician!
¡Vaya numerito montaste en la oficina!
C1Wow, you really made a scene at the office!
Word Connections
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "número" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: número
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'número' to mean 'size'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
Comes directly from the Latin word 'numerus', which had the same meaning of 'a number, a quantity, or a part of a whole'. It has kept its core meaning for thousands of years.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'número' and 'cifra'?
Think of it this way: a 'número' is the whole amount, while a 'cifra' is one of the digits that makes it up. For example, the number 150 ('el número ciento cincuenta') is made of three digits ('tres cifras'): 1, 5, and 0. In everyday speech, they are sometimes used interchangeably, but this is the technical difference.
Why does 'número' have an accent mark?
The accent on the 'ú' tells you where to put the stress when you say the word: NÚ-me-ro. Without the accent, the stress would naturally fall on the next-to-last syllable ('nu-ME-ro'), and 'numero' would be a different word—the verb form 'I number'.