un quinto
/un kinto/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'a fifth' is translated into Spanish as un quinto.
The phrase is used to describe one part of a whole that has been divided into five equal parts. It can function as a fraction or as a noun representing the ordinal position of a fifth item.
Which one should you use?
While un quinto is the standard way to express the fraction one-fifth, it can also function as a noun meaning a fifth in certain contexts. Alternatively, you can use the feminine phrase una quinta parte to refer to a fifth part of a whole.
How does it change in a sentence?
un quinto is a masculine phrase that follows the same pattern as other ordinal numbers used as fractions. When you use un quinto to indicate a fraction of a specific noun, it is typically followed by the preposition de, as in un quinto de…
Did you know?
- In Spain, the word quinto can refer to a conscript or an 18-year-old boy. This dates back to King John II of Castile, who mandated that one out of every five boys serve in the army.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, un quinto is used colloquially to refer to a specific small size of a beer bottle or glass, rather than a mathematical fraction.
- The word quinto shares the same Latin root as the English word 'quintessence', which literally means the 'fifth essence'.
Examples in context
- Esta botella contiene un quinto de galón.This bottle holds a fifth of a gallon.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use un quinto to express a fraction of a specific measurement.Tatoeba #2252868 by cueyayotl, translation #2252866 by _undertoad
- Esta es la quinta vez que me dices eso.This is the fifth time you've told me that.
- Solo queda un quinto de la tarta.There is only a fifth of the cake left.
- Comí un quinto de la pizza.I ate a fifth of the pizza.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are sharing a large chocolate bar.
- Lucía¿Cuánto chocolate quieres, Javier?How much chocolate do you want, Javier?
- JavierSolo quiero un quinto, por favor.I only want a fifth, please.
- LucíaEstá bien, te daré un quinto.Alright, I will give you a fifth.
- JavierGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quinto, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
