según
/seˈɡun/
The English phrase 'according to' is translated into Spanish as según.
según is used to indicate that information is based on a specific statement or source. It can also mean 'depending on' when used in contexts like según el clima (depending on the weather).
Meaning: based on statement (prep)
Which one should you use?
While según is a standard way to say 'according to', you may also use de acuerdo con for a formal expression of the same meaning. If you are expressing that something follows a specific rule, law or standard, the phrase conforme a is a more formal alternative meaning 'in accordance with'. In informal speech, speakers often use the phrase según dice to mean 'according to'.
How does it change in a sentence?
según functions as a preposition and is invariable, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun that follows it.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈɡun/
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, using según without a source can function as a skeptical 'supposedly'. A speaker might simply say según to express doubt about a claim.
- The word según is a linguistic relative of segundo, the word for 'second'. Both originate from the Latin word secundus, meaning 'following'.
- Spanish speakers use según to describe a proportional relationship, such as según crece la planta (as the plant grows). In this context, it functions more like 'as' than 'according to'.
Examples in context
- Según su opinión, sí.According to his opinion, yes.This sentence shows how to use según to attribute an opinion.Tatoeba #1604913 by marcelostockle, translation #453900 by saasmath
- Todo va según el plan.Everything is going according to plan.This sentence demonstrates using según to describe following a plan.Tatoeba #1993031 by marcelostockle, translation #3821481 by CK
- Según ella, él no irá.According to her, he will not go.This sentence uses según to report what someone else said.Tatoeba #11967472 by Eremon, translation #460044 by saasmath
- Según el informe, el crecimiento económico será sólido este año.According to the report, economic growth will be strong this year.
- De acuerdo con el profesor, el examen será el próximo viernes.According to the professor, the exam will be next Friday.
- Según dice, hoy va a hacer mucho calor.According to him/her, it's going to be very hot today.
- 131 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a weather report.
- AlejandroSegún el clima, va a llover hoy.According to the weather, it is going to rain today.
- ElenaNo creo que llueva, el cielo está despejado.I don't think it will rain, the sky is clear.
- AlejandroPero según la noticia, habrá tormentas.But according to the news, there will be storms.
- ElenaEntonces llevaré mi paraguas, Alejandro.Then I will take my umbrella, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “according to” translations and entries según, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries según, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
