How to Say "number" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “number” is “número” — use 'número' when referring to a quantity, a mathematical figure, or a specific identifier like a phone number or house number..
número
/NOO-meh-roh//ˈnu.me.ɾo/
Examples
Mi número de teléfono es fácil de recordar.
My phone number is easy to remember.
Escribe el número tres en la pizarra.
Write the number three on the board.
Necesito un número par para mi billete de lotería.
I need an even number for my lottery ticket.
Masculine Noun
In Spanish, all words for numbers are masculine, so you always use 'el número' or 'un número'.
The Crucial Accent Mark
Mistake: “Using 'numero' when you mean 'number'.”
Correction: The correct noun is *número* (with an accent over the 'u'). Without the accent, 'numero' means 'I number' (a verb form).
cifra
/SEE-frah//ˈθifɾa/
Examples
El código de seguridad tiene cuatro cifras.
The security code has four digits.
Escribe la cifra claramente en el papel.
Write the digit clearly on the paper.
No puedo leer la última cifra de tu teléfono.
I can't read the last digit of your phone number.
Cifra vs. Número
Use 'cifra' when talking about the individual characters (like the '7' in 75). Use 'número' for the whole quantity.
Don't confuse with 'figure' in drawing
Mistake: “La cifra de la mujer es bonita.”
Correction: La figura de la mujer es bonita. 'Cifra' is only for numbers, never for shapes or bodies.
General Quantity vs. Individual Digit
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