centro
/ˈθentɾo/
The English phrase 'centre' can be translated into Spanish as centro.
centro refers to the middle point or part of something.
Which one should you use?
While centro is the standard term, Núcleo is a formal translation for centre, commonly used in city planning or urban development. The term Centrito is an informal diminutive form of centro used affectionately for a small or cozy center.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and certain parts of Central America, the term plaza can be used to refer to the central square or main plaza of a city.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of centro is centros.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθentɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word centro shares its roots with the English word 'center', both tracing back to the Greek word for a 'stinging point' or 'sharp tool'.
- While centro describes a mathematical or physical middle, a Spanish speaker might use the word corazón to describe the 'centre' or heart of a matter or a physical object.
- In some Latin American countries, saying you are going to the centro implies you are going shopping, even if you are not visiting a specific store.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes decirme cómo llegar al centro?Can you tell me how to get to the town centre?This sentence is useful for asking for directions to the town centre using centro.Tatoeba #1526202 by marcelostockle, translation #1526201 by Cainntear
- Él cree que es el centro del universo.He thinks that he's the centre of the universe.This sentence uses centro to describe the middle of the universe.Tatoeba #2671067 by marcelostockle, translation #2669426 by Hybrid
- Si cogemos el cercanías, nos llevará al centro.If we take the commuter train, it will take us to the centre.This sentence shows how a commuter train might take you to the centre using centro.Tatoeba #6591339 by arh, translation #13602986 by sfgdh
- El centro histórico de la ciudad es impresionanteThe historic centre of the city is impressive.
- Nuestro nuevo edificio de oficinas estará ubicado en el núcleo financieroOur new office building will be located in the financial center.
- Vamos al centrito del pueblo a tomar un caféLet's go to the little center of town to have a coffee.
- Me encanta pasear por el corazón de la ciudadI love strolling around the heart of the city.
- Todo sucedió en el centro mismo de la celebraciónEverything happened right in the center of the celebration itself.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a large map on the floor.
- Daniel¿Dónde está el centro del mapa?Where is the center of the map?
- MaríaEstá justo aquí, en medio de la línea.It is right here, in the middle of the line.
- DanielVale, ahora veo el centro claramente.Okay, now I see the center clearly.
- MaríaPerfecto, Daniel, sigamos con el plan.Perfect, Daniel, let's continue with the plan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
