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tercero

tehr-SEH-rohteɾˈseɾo

“tercero” means “third” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

third

Also: 3rd
Three brightly colored, identical apples lined up in a row on a surface. The third apple is distinctively highlighted with a soft glow.

📝 In Action

Este es el tercer libro que leo esta semana.

A2

This is the third book I've read this week.

Ella vive en la tercera planta de este edificio.

A1

She lives on the third floor of this building.

Mi hermana es la tercera de cuatro hijos.

A2

My sister is the third of four children.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ordinal (ordinal)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tercer mundo – third world
  • en tercer lugar – in third place

third party, outsider

Also: mediator
Nounm/fB1
Two distinct cartoon figures standing close together and shaking hands, symbolizing an agreement. A third, unrelated figure stands a short distance away, observing the transaction neutrally.

📝 In Action

No podemos revelar esa información a un tercero.

B1

We cannot reveal that information to a third party.

Llamaron a una tercera para que mediara en la disputa.

B2

They called a third person (feminine) to mediate the dispute.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mediador (mediator)
  • ajeno (someone else's)

Common Collocations

  • tercero en discordia – third party in a disagreement

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tercero" in Spanish:

3rd→mediator→outsider→third→third party→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tercero

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the shortened form of 'tercero'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *tertiārius*, meaning 'of or belonging to the third rank' or 'third'. It is directly related to the number three (*tres*).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: terzoFrench: tiers

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do I say 'tercero' and when do I say 'tercer'?

You use 'tercer' only when the word comes immediately before a single, masculine noun (e.g., el tercer día). In all other cases—before feminine nouns (la tercera hora) or when used alone (Él fue el tercero)—you use the full form 'tercero' or 'tercera'.

How do I say 'one third' (the fraction)?

The most common way to refer to the fraction is using the specific noun 'un tercio'. 'Tercero' is reserved for position or the 'third party' meaning.