par
/pahr/
pair
Par means 'pair' or 'couple', often referring to two matching items, like a pair of socks.
par(Noun)
pair
?two of a kind, e.g., 'a pair of socks'
couple
?a few, not necessarily exactly two
📝 In Action
Necesito comprar un par de calcetines.
A1I need to buy a pair of socks.
Dame un par de minutos y estoy listo.
A2Give me a couple of minutes and I'll be ready.
Lo he visto un par de veces esta semana.
B1I've seen him a couple of times this week.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'un par de'
This phrase is your go-to for talking about two things that come together. You always say 'un par de' followed by the name of the items in plural form, like 'un par de zapatos' (a pair of shoes).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'de'
Mistake: "Quiero un par zapatos."
Correction: Always connect 'par' to the noun with 'de'. The correct way is: 'Quiero un par de zapatos'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Exact vs. Approximate
'Un par de' can mean exactly two (like with socks) or it can be a casual way to say 'a few' or 'a couple' (like 'un par de minutos'). The situation usually makes it clear which one you mean.
When used as an adjective, par means 'even' (referring to a quantity that can be divided into two equal halves).
📝 In Action
El número 8 es un número par.
A2The number 8 is an even number.
Los días pares del mes tengo clase de yoga.
B1On the even days of the month, I have yoga class.
💡 Grammar Points
An Adjective That Stays the Same
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'par' doesn't change to match the gender of the noun it describes. It's always 'par'. For example, 'el número par' (the even number) and 'la cifra par' (the even digit).
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy Opposite
The opposite of 'par' (even) is 'impar' (odd). Remembering them as a pair makes them easier to learn!
Par can also mean 'peer' or 'equal', referring to someone of the same status.
📝 In Action
El director lo trataba como a un par, no como a un empleado.
B2The director treated him as a peer, not as an employee.
Su talento no tiene par en el mundo de la música.
C1Her talent has no equal in the world of music.
⭐ Usage Tips
Look for 'sin par'
You will most often see this meaning in the phrase 'sin par', which is a powerful way to say something is 'peerless' or 'unmatched'. It's a great way to give a strong compliment!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: par
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'par' to mean an 'even number'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'un par' and 'una pareja'?
Great question! 'Un par' is very general and can be used for any two things, like 'un par de zapatos' (a pair of shoes) or 'un par de ideas' (a couple of ideas). 'Una pareja' is more specific. It's most often used for two people in a relationship ('a couple') or two people who work together ('partners'), like 'una pareja de baile' (a dance couple).
How do I say 'odd number'?
The opposite of 'par' (even) is 'impar' (odd). So you would say 'un número impar'. For example, 'Siete es un número impar' (Seven is an odd number).