What is the difference between "cada", "toda" in Spanish?

The English word 'each' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the nuance. While 'cada' typically refers to individual items within a group, 'toda' functions more like 'every' and emphasizes the entirety of a group.

How to Say "each" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “each” is “cada” — use 'cada' when referring to individual items or members within a group, emphasizing that something applies to each one separately..

cada🔊A1

Use 'cada' when referring to individual items or members within a group, emphasizing that something applies to each one separately.

{ui.learnMore}

toda🔊A2

Use 'toda' (feminine form of 'todo') when you mean 'every' and want to emphasize the entirety or totality of a group, often implying a universal application.

{ui.learnMore}

English → Spanish

cada

/ka-da//ˈka.ða/

adjectiveA1general

Use 'cada' when referring to individual items or members within a group, emphasizing that something applies to each one separately.

A row of five colorful houses, with an arrow pointing to each one individually to represent the concept of 'each'.

Examples

Cada niño recibió un regalo.

Each child received a gift.

Cada estudiante tiene un libro.

Each student has a book.

Voy al gimnasio cada día.

I go to the gym every day.

Le doy un regalo a cada uno de mis hijos.

I give a gift to each one of my children.

Always Followed by Singular

Even when talking about a whole group, the noun right after cada is always singular. Think 'each single student' (cada estudiante), not 'each students'.

Never Changes

Cada is a super easy word because it stays the same. It doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's always cada niño (each boy) and cada niña (each girl).

Talking About Frequency

You can use cada with a number to say how often something happens, like 'cada dos días' (every two days) or 'cada tres horas' (every three hours).

Using a Plural Noun After 'Cada'

Mistake: “Cada estudiantes tienen un libro.”

Correction: Say 'Cada estudiante tiene un libro.' The noun and the verb that follow 'cada' should be singular because you're talking about the items one by one.

Mixing up 'Cada' and 'Todos'

Mistake: “Me gusta cada tipo de música.”

Correction: Use 'todos los tipos de música' for 'all types of music'. `Cada` singles out items, while `todos` groups them all together. They can sometimes be similar ('cada día' vs. 'todos los días'), but 'todos' is better for talking about a whole category.

See full entry for “cada” →

toda

/toh-dah//ˈto.ða/

adjectiveA2general

Use 'toda' (feminine form of 'todo') when you mean 'every' and want to emphasize the entirety or totality of a group, often implying a universal application.

A diverse lineup of four women standing side-by-side, each one looking unique but part of a group, representing the concept of 'every woman'.

Examples

Toda la familia fue de vacaciones.

The whole family went on vacation.

Toda persona tiene derecho a la felicidad.

Every person has the right to happiness.

Reviso mi correo electrónico toda mañana.

I check my email every morning.

Hay una excepción para toda regla.

There is an exception to every rule.

No 'la' or 'el' Needed

Unlike the 'whole' meaning, when 'toda' means 'every', you usually don't put 'la' or 'el' after it. You say 'toda persona' (every person), not 'toda la persona'.

See full entry for “toda” →

Cada vs. Toda

Learners often confuse 'cada' and 'toda' because both can relate to groups. Remember that 'cada' focuses on individual members, while 'toda' emphasizes the whole group as a single unit.

Related Translations

any→entire→every→the whole→totally→

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.