How to Say "surname" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “surname” is “apellido” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Mi apellido es Fernández.
My last name is Fernández.
En España, la gente tiene dos apellidos: el del padre y el de la madre.
In Spain, people have two last names: the father's and the mother's.
Por favor, escribe tu nombre y tu apellido en el formulario.
Please write your first name and your last name on the form.
Gender Rule
Even though it refers to a family name, 'apellido' is always a masculine word, so you use 'el' (el apellido) or 'un' (un apellido) with it.
Using 'Nombre' for Last Name
Mistake: “Using 'nombre' to ask for a last name (e.g., ¿Cuál es tu nombre?)”
Correction: Use 'apellido' specifically for the family name. 'Nombre' usually means the first name only.
Related Translations
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