por cierto
/poɾ θjeɾto/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'btw' can be translated into Spanish as por cierto.
Por cierto is used as an abbreviation or phrase to introduce a new topic or to add a piece of additional information to a conversation.
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse por cierto with por ejemplo. While the former is used for adding information, the latter is used specifically for providing an example.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ θjeɾto/
Did you know?
- While por cierto means 'by the way' in conversation, the phrase de cierto can be used in older or religious texts to mean 'certainly' or 'verily'.
- The word cierto can function as both an adjective meaning 'true' and an indefinite adjective meaning 'a certain' or 'some'.
- If you use por cierto to mean 'by the way' in a formal letter, it remains appropriate, whereas in English 'btw' is strictly for digital shorthand.
Examples in context
- A propósito, me gustaría recordarte que nuestra reunión se ha pospuesto para mañana.By the way, I would like to remind you that our meeting has been postponed to tomorrow.
- Por cierto, el informe se ha completado y está listo para su revisión.By the way, the report has been completed and is ready for review.
- Por cierto, ¿has visto la última película de Juan?By the way, have you seen Juan's latest movie?
- Por cierto, ¿viste mis llaves?By the way, did you see my keys?
- Ella es muy inteligente, por cierto.She is very intelligent, by the way.
- Por cierto, mañana no tengo clase.By the way, I don't have class tomorrow.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their weekend plans.
- ElenaVoy a ir al cine el sábado.I'm going to the cinema on Saturday.
- MateoQué bien, yo iré al parque.That's great, I'll go to the park.
- ElenaPor cierto, ¿ya terminaste la tarea?By the way, did you already finish the homework?
- MateoNo, todavía no he empezado.No, I haven't started yet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry por cierto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
