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A storybook illustration showing three red apples lined up horizontally on a simple surface. The apple at the third position in the sequence is clearly encircled by a bright yellow line.

tercer

tehr-SEHR

adjectivemA1
third?ordinal number, preceding a masculine singular noun

📝 In Action

Este es el tercer libro que leo este mes.

A1

This is the third book I'm reading this month.

Vivimos en el tercer piso del edificio.

A1

We live on the third floor of the building.

Ganó el tercer premio en la competencia de natación.

A2

He won third prize in the swimming competition.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • tercer mundo – Third World (developing countries)
  • tercer tiempo – third half (in rugby, the social gathering after the game)

💡 Grammar Points

The Shortened Adjective

"tercer" is a shortened (apocopated) form of the adjective "tercero" (third). It must be used before any singular masculine noun (like 'día' or 'lugar').

Placement Rule

Only use 'tercer' when it comes before the noun. If the word 'third' stands alone or comes after the noun, you must use the full form, 'tercero'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting to Shorten

Mistake: "El tercero día."

Correction: El tercer día. (The 'o' is always dropped when it precedes a singular masculine noun.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Listen for the Sound

If you hear a masculine noun coming next (like 'hombre' or 'paso'), remember to drop the 'o' and use 'tercer' for a more natural sound.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tercer

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the word 'third'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

tercero(third (full form)) - adjective
tercera(third (feminine form)) - adjective
tres(three) - number

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'tercer' and 'tercero'?

They both mean 'third,' but 'tercer' is the required short form used only when it comes immediately *before* a singular masculine noun (e.g., 'tercer paso'). 'Tercero' is used when the word stands alone or comes *after* the noun (e.g., 'el paso tercero' or 'Él fue el tercero en llegar').

Does 'tercer' ever change for plural nouns?

No. When referring to plural masculine nouns, you use the full plural form: 'terceros' (e.g., 'los terceros pisos' - the third floors). 'Tercer' is strictly singular.