un par de
/un paɾ de/from spelling rules
The English phrase "a pair of" is un par de in Spanish.
While it can mean exactly two, un par de is often used colloquially in many Spanish-speaking contexts to mean "a couple of" or "a few" rather than an exact number of two.
Which one should you use?
While un par de can be used to mean exactly two items, it is often used more loosely than the English "a pair of" to indicate a small, indefinite number.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, you may hear una par de used colloquially instead of un par de.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to multiple items, the phrase un par de is followed by a noun in the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/un paɾ de/
Did you know?
- The word par is derived from the Latin word for 'equal' or 'like' rather than a word specifically for the number two.
- Spanish speakers may use un par de to describe a short amount of time, such as un par de minutos, even if they intend to stay for much longer.
- Depending on the country, using un par de for a 'few' can range from meaning three items to meaning as many as five or six.
Examples in context
- Compré un par de botas.I bought a pair of boots.This sentence shows how to use un par de with footwear.Tatoeba #2313777 by marcelostockle, translation #255500 by CK
- Tengo un par de zapatos.I have a pair of shoes.This sentence shows how to use un par de with shoes.Tatoeba #1282054 by Shishir, translation #762643 by CK
- Compró un par de zapatos.He bought a pair of shoes.Tatoeba #1071924 by Shishir, translation #293777 by CK
- Un par de zapatosA pair of shoes
- Un par de guantesA pair of gloves
- Un par de calcetinesA pair of socks
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are shopping for accessories.
- DanielMira estos guantes, Lucía.Look at these gloves, Lucía.
- LucíaSon lindos, necesito un par de guantes nuevos.They are cute, I need a pair of new gloves.
- Daniel¿Quieres probarte este color?Do you want to try this color?
- LucíaSí, me llevaré un par de esos.Yes, I will take a pair of those.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, par, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
