Inklingo

How to Say "paragraph" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “paragraph” is “párrafo” — use 'párrafo' when referring to a distinct block of text within a larger written work, such as a story, essay, or article..

English → Spanish

párrafo

nounA2general
Use 'párrafo' when referring to a distinct block of text within a larger written work, such as a story, essay, or article.

Examples

El primer párrafo de la noticia es el más importante.

The first paragraph of the news story is the most important.

apartado

/ah-par-TAH-doh//apaɾˈtaðo/

nounB1formal
Use 'apartado' for a specific, often numbered, section or division within a formal document, contract, or legal text.
A highlighted chapter or portion of a large open book.

Examples

Debes leer el apartado segundo del contrato antes de firmar.

You must read the second section of the contract before signing.

En este apartado, explicamos los resultados del estudio.

In this section, we explain the results of the study.

Mira el apartado de 'notas adicionales' al final.

Look at the 'additional notes' section at the end.

Use for Numbers

Spanish uses this word for points in a list (1, 2, 3) where English might just say 'point' or 'item'.

Apartado vs. Párrafo

Mistake: “Using 'apartado' for a standard block of text in a story.”

Correction: Use 'párrafo' for normal writing and 'apartado' for specific numbered sections in formal papers.

Párrafo vs. Apartado

The most common mistake is using 'apartado' for general writing when 'párrafo' is appropriate. Remember that 'párrafo' refers to a block of text in most writing, while 'apartado' is for more formal, structured divisions like chapters or clauses, often with numbers.

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