Are you interested in expanding your Spanish vocabulary and learning how to express decades in this beautiful language? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to say decades in Spanish, providing you with useful tips, real-life examples, and even regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in and start learning together!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Decades
When it comes to formal situations or writing, Spanish offers specific terms to denote decades. Let’s take a look at how you can express them:
1. La década de 1920 – The decade of the 1920s:
Utilize this phrase to refer to a specific decade in the twentieth century. Here’s an example:
La moda de la década de 1920 fue conocida por sus extravagantes vestidos y sombreros.
The fashion of the 1920s decade was known for its extravagant dresses and hats.
2. Los años treinta – The thirties:
Use this expression when talking about the 1930s. Let’s see an example:
Los años treinta fueron una época de grandes cambios sociales y políticos en España.
The thirties were a time of significant social and political changes in Spain.
3. La primera mitad del siglo veinte – The first half of the twentieth century:
If you want to talk about the first fifty years of the twentieth century, this is the perfect phrase for you:
La primera mitad del siglo veinte fue marcada por dos guerras mundiales y la Gran Depresión.
The first half of the twentieth century was marked by two world wars and the Great Depression.
Informal Ways to Say Decades
Now, let’s move on to a more casual and informal way of expressing decades in Spanish. These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations:
1. Los años veinte – The twenties:
In informal contexts, it’s common to drop the word “década” and refer to a specific decade simply by mentioning the number. Here’s an example:
En los años veinte, el jazz era el sonido más popular en las fiestas.
In the twenties, jazz was the most popular sound at parties.
2. Los ochenta – The eighties:
A similar practice is followed for other decades. Take a look at this example:
Los ochenta fueron una época de música pop y extravagancia.
The eighties were a time of pop music and extravagance.
3. La segunda mitad del siglo veinte – The second half of the twentieth century:
If you want to refer to the latter fifty years of the twentieth century, you can use this informal expression:
La segunda mitad del siglo veinte vio el surgimiento de la tecnología digital.
The second half of the twentieth century saw the rise of digital technology.
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across numerous countries, each with its own unique dialects and regional variations. While the formal and informal ways to express decades we mentioned above are widely understood, there might be some slight variations across regions. Let’s consider a couple of examples:
1. La década del 70 – The seventies:
In some Latin American countries, it’s common to use “del” instead of “de” when indicating a specific decade. For instance:
La música disco fue muy popular en la década del 70.
Disco music was very popular in the seventies.
2. Los noventa – The nineties:
In Spain, it’s quite common to use the simple form of the number to denote a decade. Have a look at this example:
En los noventa, se desataron numerosas tendencias culturales.
In the nineties, numerous cultural trends burst forth.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Now that you are familiar with both the formal and informal ways to say decades in Spanish, it’s time to practice! Try using these phrases in conversations or writing exercises to reinforce your learning. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you will become!
Remember, while the formal expressions are suitable for professional settings and written work, the informal phrases are perfect for casual contexts with friends or when engaging in relaxed conversations. Adapt your vocabulary depending on the situation, and don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in Spanish-speaking environments to further improve your skills.
So, whether you are discussing history, fashion, or music, you now have the tools to express decades effectively in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte y mucho éxito en tu aprendizaje! (Good luck and much success in your learning!)
