abecedario
/abeθeˈdaɾjo/
The English phrase "abcs" is abecedario in Spanish.
abecedario refers to the set of letters that make up the alphabet. Much like in English, it can be used metaphorically to describe the most basic or fundamental elements of a particular subject.
What does it mean word for word?
The word abecedario is a portmanteau created from the names of the first four letters of the Spanish alphabet: a, b, c and d.
Which one should you use?
While abecedario is the default term, alfabeto is a common synonym that can also be used to mean alphabet.
How do you pronounce it?
/abeθeˈdaɾjo/
Did you know?
- Until 1994, the Spanish abecedario officially included the letters ch and ll as distinct letters of the alphabet rather than combinations of letters.
- In some traditional Spanish pedagogical materials, the abecedario was historically paired with the silabario, a system focusing on syllables rather than individual letters.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, children learn the abecedario through songs that vary significantly in melody and rhythm compared to the English 'Alphabet Song'.
Examples in context
- Esto es el abecedario.These are the ABCs.This sentence is useful for identifying abecedario.Tatoeba #13908228 by mexicanhere, translation #55770 by Joseph
- El abecedario español es muy completo.The Spanish alphabet is very complete.
- ¿Puedes escribir el abecedario en la pizarra?Can you write the alphabet on the blackboard?
Example conversation
A teacher and a student are in a classroom.
- LucíaMateo, ¿conoces el abecedario?Mateo, do you know the alphabet?
- MateoSí, Lucía, me lo sé de memoria.Yes, Lucía, I know it by heart.
- Lucía¡Excelente! Vamos a practicarlo ahora.Excellent! Let's practice it now.
- MateoEstá bien, estoy listo.Okay, I am ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abecedario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
