centro
/ˈθentɾo/masculine
The English word "center" is translated into Spanish as centro.
centro is a noun used to describe a place where a function or activity occurs. For example, you can use it in phrases such as centros educativos (educational centers) and centros culturales (cultural centers).
Meaning: place where a function or activity occurs (noun)
Which one should you use?
While centro is the standard term, you might encounter Núcleo when referring to a more formal concept of a core or focal point. If you want to use an informal diminutive, you can use Centrito.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun centro is masculine, so it requires masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθentɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word centro shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'centipede', as both trace back to a root meaning 'a sharp point' or 'to sting'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, if you are looking for the 'city center' for shopping, people might specifically use the term el casco histórico if they are referring to the old, central district.
- The word centro is also used in Spanish to describe a 'center' in sports, such as a 'cross' or a pass toward the middle of the field in football.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál metro va al centro?What subway goes to the center of town?This sentence shows how to use centro when asking about directions to a town center.Tatoeba #1513103 by marcelostockle, translation #37475 by CM
- Vivo en el centro del país.I live in the center of the country.This sentence illustrates using centro to describe a location within a country.Tatoeba #9177549 by eltacodemex, translation #2638930 by Joseph
- El universo no tiene centro.The universe has no center.This sentence uses centro in a scientific or general context regarding the universe.Tatoeba #13816433 by Seael, translation #3439782 by Hybrid
- el corazón de la ciudadThe heart of the city
- Vamos a la plazaLet's go to the center of town
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are planning where to meet for coffee.
- Sofía¿Dónde quieres quedar, Mateo?Where do you want to meet, Mateo?
- MateoPodemos ir al centro.We can go to the center.
- SofíaMe parece bien, el centro tiene cafeterías lindas.That sounds good, the center has lovely cafes.
- MateoPerfecto, te veo allí.Perfect, I will see you there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “center” translations and entries centro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries centro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
