Inklingo

How to Say "sequence" in Spanish

English → Spanish

secuencia

seh-KWEHN-seeah/seˈkwen.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'secuencia' when referring to an ordered series of events, steps, or items, emphasizing the logical progression.
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-eh/ˈse.ɾje/

nounB1general
Choose 'serie' to describe a succession or chain of related events or problems, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.
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).

escena

/es-SEH-nah//esˈsena/

nounA2film/theatre
Use 'escena' specifically when referring to a sequence of events within a film, play, or book, often focusing on a particular moment or part.
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).

Secuencia vs. Serie

Learners often confuse 'secuencia' and 'serie'. Remember that 'secuencia' focuses on the order of items or steps (like a recipe), while 'serie' describes a chain of related events or problems (like a cascade of bad luck).

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