Inklingo

How to Say "fraction" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fraction” is “fracción” — use 'fracción' when referring to a mathematical part of a whole, or a very small portion of time or space..

English → Spanish

fracción

nounA2general
Use 'fracción' when referring to a mathematical part of a whole, or a very small portion of time or space.

Examples

Un cuarto es una fracción básica.

One quarter is a basic fraction.

fracción

nounB1general
Use 'fracción' when referring to a small part or segment of something, especially time or space.

Examples

Todo ocurrió en una fracción de segundo.

Everything happened in a split second.

quebrado

/keh-BRAH-doh//keˈβɾaðo/

nounB1mathematical
Use 'quebrado' specifically when talking about mathematical fractions representing division.
A colorful illustration of a round pie with one slice removed to show a part of a whole.

Examples

Hoy en la escuela aprendimos a sumar quebrados.

Today in school we learned how to add fractions.

Un medio y un cuarto son ejemplos de quebrados.

One half and one quarter are examples of fractions.

El profesor explicó la diferencia entre decimales y quebrados.

The teacher explained the difference between decimals and fractions.

Math Vocabulary

In modern schools, 'fracción' is more common, but 'quebrado' is still widely used and understood by everyone.

Not a physical piece

Mistake: “Using 'quebrado' to mean a 'piece' of a broken glass.”

Correction: Use 'pedazo' or 'trozo' for a physical piece. 'Quebrado' as a noun only refers to the math concept.

General vs. Specific Math Terms

Learners often use 'fracción' for all mathematical fractions. Remember that 'quebrado' is a more specific term used in some regions for mathematical division, while 'fracción' also has a broader meaning of 'a small part'.

Related Translations

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