Inklingo

How to Say "quote" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cita

SEE-tahˈsita

nounB1general
Use 'cita' when referring to a direct quotation from a text, book, or speech, like in an essay or academic paper.
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'.”

cotización

nounA2business/commerce
Use 'cotización' when asking for or giving a price estimate for a service or product.

Examples

Solicité una cotización para pintar mi casa.

I requested a quote to paint my house.

frase

FRAH-sehˈfɾase

nounB1general
Use 'frase' when referring to a well-known saying, a memorable line, or a catchy phrase.
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.

Quote vs. Price Estimate

The most common mistake is using 'cita' when you actually mean a price estimate. Remember, 'cita' is for passages from texts, while 'cotización' is specifically for prices and estimates.

Related Translations

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