palabra
/pa-LA-bra/
word
This illustration represents 'palabra' as a single, distinct unit of language, or a 'word'.
📝 In Action
¿Cómo se escribe esta palabra?
A1How do you write this word?
No entiendo la última palabra de la frase.
A1I don't understand the last word of the sentence.
Necesito escribir un ensayo de mil palabras.
A2I need to write a one-thousand-word essay.
💡 Grammar Points
It's Feminine: 'la palabra'
Even though it doesn't refer to a female person, 'palabra' is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la palabra bonita' (the pretty word).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'el' instead of 'la'
Mistake: "Quiero aprender *el* palabra nueva."
Correction: Quiero aprender *la* palabra nueva. Remember that most nouns ending in '-a' in Spanish are feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking About Swear Words
If you want to talk about a 'bad word' or a 'swear word', you can use the fun word 'palabrota'. It's like saying 'big, ugly word'.
In this context, 'palabra' refers to a 'promise' or 'one's word,' visualized by a firm handshake signifying trust and commitment.
palabra(Noun)
promise
?a declaration that one will do something
one's word
?a person's assurance or guarantee
📝 In Action
Te doy mi palabra de que te ayudaré.
B1I give you my word that I will help you.
Ella es una mujer de palabra; si lo dijo, lo hará.
B1She is a woman of her word; if she said it, she'll do it.
No puedes retirar tu palabra ahora.
B2You can't take back your promise now.
⭐ Usage Tips
Look for Action Words
This meaning of 'palabra' almost always shows up with verbs like 'dar' (to give), 'cumplir' (to fulfill), or 'tener' (to have), as in 'tener palabra' (to be trustworthy).
In formal settings, 'palabra' means 'the floor' or the turn to speak, showing the speaker taking center stage.
palabra(Noun)
the floor
?the right to speak in a meeting or debate
turn to speak
?permission to talk
📝 In Action
Si quiere hablar, tiene que pedir la palabra.
B1If you want to speak, you have to ask for the floor.
La moderadora le concedió la palabra al experto.
B2The moderator gave the floor to the expert.
El orador tomó la palabra para empezar su discurso.
C1The speaker took the floor to begin his speech.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Formal Settings
This usage is for organized situations. In a casual chat with friends, you wouldn't say 'pido la palabra'. You'd just start talking or say something like '¿Puedo decir algo?' (Can I say something?).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: palabra
Question 1 of 1
In the sentence 'En una reunión formal, tienes que pedir la ______ para hablar', which meaning of 'palabra' is used?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the expression 'tener la última palabra' mean?
It means 'to have the final say' or 'to have the last word' in a discussion, argument, or decision. It implies that this person's opinion is the one that ultimately counts or ends the debate.