Inklingo

How to Say "quote" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “quote” is “cita” — use 'cita' when referring to a specific passage or text that has been formally cited, like in an academic paper or a book..

English → Spanish

cita

/SEE-tah//ˈsita/

nounB1formal
Use 'cita' when referring to a specific passage or text that has been formally cited, like in an academic paper or a book.
A simple illustration of a large open book resting on a stand, with an empty speech bubble floating directly above the pages, symbolizing a quotation.

Examples

El profesor nos pidió que incluyéramos tres citas en nuestro ensayo.

The professor asked us to include three quotations in our essay.

Esta cita de Cervantes es muy famosa: 'No hay rosas sin espinas'.

This quote from Cervantes is very famous: 'No roses without thorns.'

Debes poner entre comillas las citas textuales.

You must put direct quotes in quotation marks.

Cita is the noun, citar is the verb

'Cita' = the quote itself. 'Citar' = the action of quoting. Example: 'Esta es una cita' vs 'Voy a citar al autor'.

Forgetting quotation marks

Mistake: “Writing a quote without 'comillas' (quotation marks).”

Correction: Always use quotation marks for direct quotes: “Así se escribe una 'cita textual'.”

frase

FRAH-seh/ˈfɾase/

nounB1
Use 'frase' when referring to a famous saying, a memorable line from a movie, or a common expression.
A wise, large brown owl sitting on a stack of books, looking thoughtful. A single, distinct, glowing golden orb is floating right above the owl's head, signifying a memorable saying or quote.

Examples

Su frase favorita es 'Carpe Diem'.

His favorite quote is 'Carpe Diem'.

El presidente terminó su discurso con una frase inspiradora.

The president finished his speech with an inspiring quote.

Cita vs. Frase

Learners often confuse 'cita' and 'frase' because both can mean 'quote'. Remember that 'cita' is for cited passages, while 'frase' is for famous sayings or memorable lines.

Related Translations

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