sumar y restar
/sumaɾ i ɾestaɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "add and subtract" is sumar y restar.
This phrase is used to describe performing the basic mathematical operations of addition and subtraction.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb sumar means "to add" and is derived from the noun suma (sum). The verb restar literally means "to lessen" or "to take away."
Is it said differently in some regions?
The verb echar is a colloquial way to say "to add" that is often used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you can indicate subtraction by using negative numbers, such as saying menos dos metros instead of resta dos metros.
How do you pronounce it?
/sumaɾ i ɾestaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb restar traces back to the Latin restāre, which meant 'to stand firm' or 'to remain'.
- In some contexts, Spanish speakers use the phrase restar importancia to mean 'to downplay' or 'to minimize' the significance of something.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word suma refers not just to the result of addition, but also to a 'large amount' of money or effort.
Examples in context
- El profesor pidió a sus alumnos que sumaran los númerosThe teacher asked his students to add the numbers
- Para resolver el problema, necesitas restar los dos númerosTo solve the problem, you need to subtract the two numbers
- Resta cinco minutos al tiempo que tienes para completar la tareaSubtract five minutes from the time you have to complete the task
- Quítale dos caramelos a la bolsaTake away two candies from the bag
- Resta diez pesos a la cantidad que me debesSubtract ten pesos from the amount you owe me
- Resta diez años a la fecha actual para obtener su año de nacimientoSubtract ten years from the current date to get his year of birth
- Resta cinco minutos al tiempo que tenemos para llegar a la fiestaSubtract five minutes from the time we have to get to the party
- Es fácil sumar y restar números enteros.It is easy to add and subtract integers.
- Es fácil sumar y restar números pequeños.It is easy to add and subtract small numbers.
- Debes aprender a sumar y restar rápidamente.You must learn to add and subtract quickly.
- El examen consiste en sumar y restar.The exam consists of adding and subtracting.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are studying math together at a desk.
- Mateo¿Sabes cómo sumar y restar estos valores?Do you know how to add and subtract these values?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, puedo hacerlo sin problemas.Yes, Mateo, I can do it without problems.
- MateoPerfecto, entonces ayúdame con este ejercicio.Perfect, then help me with this exercise.
- SofíaClaro, vamos a sumar y restar juntos.Sure, let's add and subtract together.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries restar, sumar, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
