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How to Say "calculation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “calculation” is “cuenta” — use 'cuenta' when referring to the act of counting or a total number, often in a less formal or everyday context..

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cuenta

/KWEN-tah//ˈkwenta/

NounB1General
Use 'cuenta' when referring to the act of counting or a total number, often in a less formal or everyday context.
A whimsical character counting a large, disorganized pile of colorful wooden blocks.

Examples

He perdido la cuenta de cuántas veces te lo he dicho.

I've lost count of how many times I've told you.

Según mis cuentas, nos deben dinero.

According to my calculations, they owe us money.

La cena corre por mi cuenta.

Dinner is on me (my responsibility).

The Super-Phrase: 'Darse Cuenta de'

This phrase is incredibly common and means 'to realize'. Remember the little word 'de' that often comes after it. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que no tenía mis llaves.' (I realized that I didn't have my keys.)

Realize vs. Realizar

Mistake: “'Realicé que era tarde.'”

Correction: 'Me di cuenta de que era tarde.' 'Realizar' looks like 'realize', but it actually means 'to carry out' or 'to make real'. To say 'I realize', always use 'me doy cuenta'.

operación

NounC1Formal/Technical
Use 'operación' specifically for a mathematical process or computation, like addition or division.

Examples

La multiplicación es una operación básica.

Multiplication is a basic operation.

Cuenta vs. Operación

Learners often confuse 'cuenta' and 'operación' by using 'cuenta' for formal mathematical procedures. Remember, 'operación' is the technical term for a math problem or calculation, while 'cuenta' is more about the act of counting or keeping track.

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