Inklingo

How to Say "sequence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sequence” is “secuencia” — use 'secuencia' when referring to an ordered series of events, steps, or items that must be followed in a specific order.

English → Spanish

secuencia

seh-KWEHN-seeahseˈkwen.sja

nounB1
Use 'secuencia' when referring to an ordered series of events, steps, or items that must be followed in a specific order.
A simple illustration showing a progression of three distinct shapes: a red sphere, followed by a yellow cube, followed by a blue pyramid, arranged in a straight line on a plain background.

Examples

Debemos seguir la secuencia de pasos para armar el mueble.

We must follow the sequence of steps to assemble the furniture.

Esa secuencia de baile fue muy difícil de memorizar.

That dance sequence was very difficult to memorize.

La secuencia de apertura de la película es impresionante.

The opening sequence (or scene) of the movie is impressive.

Always Feminine

'Secuencia' is a feminine noun, so you always use feminine words before it, like the article 'la' or the number 'una' (e.g., 'la secuencia', 'una secuencia larga').

Mistaking Gender

Mistake: “El secuencia”

Correction: La secuencia. Even though it ends in '-a,' some people mistakenly think it sounds masculine. Always remember 'la secuencia.'

serie

SEH-ree-ehˈse.ɾje

nounB1
Choose 'serie' to indicate a number of related things happening one after another, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship or a collection.
A winding, colorful path stretching across a landscape. Along the path, three distinct objects—a red apple, a blue book, and a yellow feather—are placed one after the other, showing succession.

Examples

La caída de la bolsa provocó una serie de problemas económicos.

The stock market crash caused a series of economic problems.

El museo exhibe una serie de obras de arte del siglo pasado.

The museum exhibits a set of artworks from the last century.

Necesitamos analizar toda la serie de datos antes de tomar una decisión.

We need to analyze the whole sequence of data before making a decision.

Singular Subject, Plural Meaning

Even though 'serie' means 'many things' (a series of events), the word 'serie' itself is singular. The verb should match: 'La serie de eventos fue larga' (The series of events was long).

sucesión

nounB1
Use 'sucesión' when emphasizing the act of one thing following another in a continuous line or order, often implying a rapid or unbroken chain.

Examples

Hubo una sucesión de errores que arruinó el plan.

There was a sequence of errors that ruined the plan.

escena

es-SEH-nahesˈsena

nounA2
Opt for 'escena' specifically when talking about a particular part or segment of a film, play, or story.
Two characters meeting under a spotlight on a stage, framed by red curtains, illustrating a section of a story.

Examples

Mi escena favorita es cuando los protagonistas se conocen.

My favorite scene is when the main characters meet.

El director decidió cortar la última escena de la película.

The director decided to cut the last scene of the movie.

Feminine Noun

Even though 'escena' doesn't end in '-a' like many feminine nouns, it always uses feminine words like 'la' and 'una'. For example, 'la escena fue larga' (the scene was long).

encadenado

en-kah-deh-NAH-dohenkaðeˈnaðo

nounB2formal, media
Use 'encadenado' to describe a visual transition, like a cross-fade, that links two consecutive scenes or images smoothly.
One landscape scene of a forest slowly blending into a scene of a beach.

Examples

El editor usó un encadenado para pasar del día a la noche.

The editor used a cross-fade to move from day to night.

Fue un encadenado de errores lo que causó el problema.

It was a sequence of errors that caused the problem.

Prefiero el corte directo al encadenado.

I prefer the jump cut over the cross-fade.

Noun Usage

When used as a noun, it always uses the masculine form 'el encadenado', even if you are talking about many things in a sequence.

Sequence vs. Series vs. Succession

Learners often confuse 'secuencia,' 'serie,' and 'sucesión.' Use 'secuencia' for a strict order of steps, 'serie' for a group of related events or items, and 'sucesión' for a continuous, often unbroken, flow of things.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.