Inklingo

How to Say "word" in Spanish

English → Spanish

palabra

pa-LA-brapaˈla.βɾa

nounA1general
Use 'palabra' when referring to a single unit of language, like a word you spell or say.
A single, bright blue, cloud-shaped speech bubble floating in the air against a simple, neutral background, symbolizing a word.

Examples

¿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.

recado

reh-KAH-dohreˈkaðo

nounA2general
Use 'recado' when 'word' means a message or information passed from one person to another.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small sealed envelope resting on a wooden kitchen table next to a vase of flowers.

Examples

Si llama mi hermano, dile que me deje un recado.

If my brother calls, tell him to leave me a message.

Le di el recado a tu secretaria esta mañana.

I gave the message to your secretary this morning.

Me dio el recado de que la fiesta se canceló.

He sent word that the party was canceled.

Recado vs. Mensaje

While 'mensaje' is often used for digital texts (SMS, WhatsApp), 'recado' usually refers to a message passed between people, like a phone message or a note left on a desk.

Using 'mensaje' for everything

Mistake: “Leaving a physical note and calling it a 'mensaje digital'.”

Correction: Use 'recado' when someone tells you to tell someone else something. It feels more personal and human than 'mensaje'.

nounB1formal/technical
Use 'término' when 'word' refers to a specific term, especially in a technical, scientific, or specialized context.

Examples

Ese es un término científico que solo conocen los expertos.

That is a scientific term that only experts know.

Palabra vs. Recado vs. Término

The most common mistake is using 'palabra' when 'recado' is needed for a message, or using 'palabra' for a specific technical term when 'término' is more appropriate. Remember 'recado' is about passing information, and 'término' is about specific vocabulary.

Related Translations

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