Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por cierto | /poɾ θjeɾto/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /poɾ sjeɾto/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| dicho sea de paso | /dit͡ʃo sea de paso/ (from spelling rules) |
| a propósito | /a pɾoˈposito/ |
| a todo esto | /a ˌtodo ˈesto/ |
| hablando de todo un poco | /ablando de todo un poko/ (from spelling rules) |
| hablando un poco de todo | /ablando un poko de todo/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to express the concept of 'incidentally' or to introduce a new point during a conversation. While por cierto is used to add a piece of information that has just occurred to the speaker, a propósito is often used to pivot a conversation toward a new, related topic. The phrase a todo esto is used when a speaker wants to abruptly change the subject or use a sudden realization to transition to a new question.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por cierto literally translates to "for certain" or "for sure", though it is used idiomatically to mean "by the way".
Which one should you use?
Por cierto is typically used for adding information that just occurred to you, while a propósito is used to pivot to a related topic. Note that a propósito can also mean "on purpose" (intentionally).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Dicho sea de paso is a formal or literary way to express "by the way" or "incidentally", meaning "said in passing".
Is it said differently in some regions?
A todo esto might replace dicho sea de paso in some regions.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ θjeɾto/
Did you know?
- The expression hablando de todo un poco is a more colorful, idiomatic way to transition, meaning 'speaking of a little bit of everything'.
- The Latin root of paso literally meant 'spread out' or 'stretch', referring to the action of taking a step.
- While por cierto means 'by the way' in conversation, it can also be used to emphatically confirm a statement as 'certainly' or 'for sure'.
Examples in context
- Por cierto, ayer le vi.By the way, I saw him yesterday.This sentence is useful for showing how to use por cierto to mention seeing someone.Tatoeba #10191979 by Shishir, translation #2122038 by freddy1
- Por cierto, ¿dónde vives?By the way, where do you live?This sentence is useful for using por cierto to ask a question about where someone lives.Tatoeba #2146334 by marcelostockle, translation #38058 by CK
- Por cierto, ¿qué le pasa?By the way, what is the matter with him?This sentence is useful for using por cierto to ask what is wrong with someone.Tatoeba #2883786 by cueyayotl, translation #38053 by Zifre
- A propósito, recuerda traer el informe mañana.By the way, remember to bring the report tomorrow.
- Por cierto, me comentaron que habrá una reunión mañana.By the way, I was told there will be a meeting tomorrow.
- Dicho sea de paso, el nuevo proyecto ha sido aprobado.By the way, the new project has been approved.
- Por cierto, ¿sabes si Juan viene a la fiesta?By the way, do you know if Juan is coming to the party?
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking in a café.
- AlejandroLa comida está muy buena.The food is very good.
- MaríaPor cierto, ¿has visto mis llaves?By the way, have you seen my keys?
- AlejandroNo las he visto, María.I haven't seen them, María.
- MaríaEstá bien, gracias.That's okay, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by the way” translations and entries por cierto, a propósito, a todo esto, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, cierto, de, dicho, paso, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
