pares
“pares” means “pairs” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
pairs, even numbers
Also: equals
📝 In Action
Necesito dos pares de calcetines nuevos.
A1I need two pairs of new socks.
En este juego, solo puedes mover las fichas con números pares.
A2In this game, you can only move the tokens with even numbers.
Las manzanas vinieron en pares, no teníamos que dividirlas.
B1The apples came in pairs; we didn't have to divide them.
(that) you stop
Also: (that) you stand up
📝 In Action
Es urgente que pares el coche, hay un animal en la carretera.
B1It is urgent that you stop the car; there is an animal on the road.
¿Quieres que pares de hablar sobre eso?
B1Do you want me to stop talking about that?
Dudo que pares de trabajar antes de las seis.
B2I doubt that you will stop working before six.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pares
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pares' as the verb form (meaning 'that you stop')?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The noun 'pares' comes from the Latin word *par*, meaning 'equal' or 'matched.' The verb 'pares' comes from the Latin *parāre*, which originally meant 'to prepare' but evolved in Spanish to mean 'to stop' or 'to stand still.'
First recorded: 13th century (in forms recognizable in Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'pares' means 'pairs' or 'that you stop'?
If it is preceded by a number (like 'dos pares') or an adjective, it is the noun 'pairs' or 'even numbers.' If it follows a trigger phrase like 'que' (that) or 'quiero que' (I want that), it is almost certainly the verb form 'that you stop.'
Is 'pares' the same as 'parejas'?
They are related! 'Pares' (pairs) usually refers to objects or numbers. 'Parejas' (couples/partners) usually refers to people or animals who are together.