How to Say "contraction" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “contraction” is “contracción” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
En español, 'al' es una contracción de 'a' y 'el'.
In Spanish, 'al' is a contraction of 'a' and 'el'.
No olvides usar la contracción 'del' en lugar de 'de el'.
Don't forget to use the contraction 'del' instead of 'de el'.
Solo existen dos contracciones gramaticales obligatorias.
There are only two mandatory grammar contractions.
The Mandatory Rule
Unlike English where 'don't' is optional, Spanish contractions like 'al' and 'del' are mandatory. You cannot say 'Voy a el cine'; you must say 'Voy al cine'.
Exception for Names
If 'El' is part of a proper name, like a newspaper 'El País,' you don't contract it. Say 'vengo de El País' not 'del País'.
Keeping words separate
Mistake: “Hablo de el libro.”
Correction: Hablo del libro. Always combine 'de' and 'el' when they meet.
Other Meanings of “contracción”
“contracción” can also mean:
- muscle or labor(B1)
- economic or physical shrinking(B2, formal)
Related Translations
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