número
/NOO-meh-roh/
number
When used for counting or identification, número translates to 'number'.
número(Noun)
number
?A figure or digit used for counting or identifying something.
figure
?e.g., 'a six-figure number'
,numeral
?The symbol representing a number.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it doesn't end in -o, 'número' is a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el número', 'un número'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Escribo el numero."
Correction: Escribo el número. The accent on the 'u' is important because 'numero' (without an accent) is a verb form meaning 'I number'.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Identification
Use 'número' for anything that identifies something with a digit, like a house number, phone number, flight number, or seat number.
In the context of shopping for items like shoes, número refers to the '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.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Número' vs. 'Talla'
Use 'número' for sizes that are numbers (like shoes: 38, 39, 40). Use 'talla' for sizes that are letters (like shirts: S, M, L) or clothing sizes (like pants: 32, 34).
Número is used to refer to a specific 'issue' or edition of a periodical publication like a magazine.
número(Noun)
issue
?A single edition of a periodical publication like a magazine or journal.
copy
?e.g., 'the latest copy of the newspaper'
📝 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.
In the context of a show or performance, número means an 'act' or 'routine.'
número(Noun)
act
?A performance or routine in a show, like a circus or talent show.
routine
?e.g., 'a comedy routine'
,number
?e.g., 'a musical 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!
⭐ Usage Tips
Making a Scene
The phrase 'montar un numerito' is a very common and colorful way to talk about someone causing a public disturbance or making a fuss. It's informal and slightly critical.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: número
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'número' to mean 'size'?
📚 More Resources
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'.