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How to Say "word" in Spanish

English → Spanish

palabra

/pa-LA-bra//paˈla.βɾa/

NounA1General
Use 'palabra' when referring to a single unit of spoken or written language, like a word in a sentence or a promise.
A single, bright blue, cloud-shaped speech bubble floating in the air against a simple, neutral background, symbolizing a word.

Examples

No entiendo esta palabra.

I don't understand this word.

¿Cómo se escribe esta palabra?

How do you write this word?

No entiendo la última palabra de la frase.

I don't understand the last word of the sentence.

Necesito escribir un ensayo de mil palabras.

I need to write a one-thousand-word essay.

It's Feminine: 'la palabra'

Even though it doesn't refer to a female person, 'palabra' is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la palabra bonita' (the pretty word).

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “Quiero aprender *el* palabra nueva.”

Correction: Quiero aprender *la* palabra nueva. Remember that most nouns ending in '-a' in Spanish are feminine.

NounB1Specialized
Use 'término' when referring to a specific word or phrase with a defined meaning, especially in a particular field like science, law, or a specific subject.

Examples

El término 'fotosíntesis' es fundamental en biología.

The term 'photosynthesis' is fundamental in biology.

Palabra vs. Término

Learners often use 'palabra' for any word, but 'término' is better for specific vocabulary within a subject. Think of 'palabra' as a general word and 'término' as a technical term.

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