ciertas palabras
/θjeɾtas palabɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase certain words is translated into Spanish as ciertas palabras.
Some specific words that are not named or identified.
Which one should you use?
While ciertas palabras means 'certain words' (specific but unnamed), algunas palabras is more commonly used to mean 'some words' in a general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ciertas must be feminine and plural to agree with the feminine plural noun palabras. The singular form of the phrase is cierta palabra.
How do you pronounce it?
/θjeɾtas palabɾas/
Did you know?
- The adjective cierto can be placed after the noun to change the meaning from 'certain/specific' to 'true', as in una historia cierta meaning 'a true story'.
- In Spanish, using ciertas palabras can imply that the words are taboo, scandalous or secret, rather than just being unspecified.
- The word palabra shares a root with the English word 'parable', which literally means 'a comparison' or 'a story told in words'.
Examples in context
- Ciertas palabras son difíciles de definir.Certain words are hard to define.This sentence demonstrates the use of ciertas palabras to describe words that are difficult to define.Tatoeba #1808235 by krash, translation #11133150 by DJ_Saidez
- Gracias por tu ayuda.Thank you for your help.
- ¿Podrías pasarme la sal, por favor?”Could you pass me the salt, please?
- Disculpe, ¿dónde está la estación de tren?Excuse me, where is the train station?
- Ciertas palabras me causan mucha confusión.Certain words cause me a lot of confusion.
- No me gustan ciertas palabras de ese libro.I don't like certain words from that book.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a poem.
- JavierNo entiendo el significado de ciertas palabras.I don't understand the meaning of certain words.
- MaríaYo también, María piensa que son muy abstractas.Me too, María thinks they are very abstract.
- JavierCreo que Javier debe preguntar al profesor.I think Javier should ask the teacher.
- MaríaTienes razón, vamos a preguntarle ahora.You are right, let's ask him now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
