decimales
/deθimales/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for decimals is decimales.
The term decimales refers to numbers that use a point to show a fraction of a whole.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the full stop is used and expressed as punto to separate the whole number from the decimal part.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of decimales is decimal.
How do you pronounce it?
/deθimales/
What mistakes should you avoid?
While English speakers say 'decimal point', in many Spanish-speaking regions, the symbol itself is referred to as la coma (the comma) or el punto (the point) depending on local convention.
Did you know?
- Confusion over decimales can lead to massive financial errors in trade between Spain and Mexico, where the symbols for thousands and decimals may be swapped.
- If you ask for 'decimales' in a shop in Spain, you might be met with confusion if you are actually referring to 'cambio' or 'céntimos', which are the coins used for fractions of a Euro.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the roles of the comma and the full stop are swapped compared to the US or UK system. A number like 1,000.50 would be written as 1.000,50.
Examples in context
- tres coma cinco3.5
- cuatro coma veinticinco4.25
- cero con setenta y cinco0.75
- cinco punto dos cinco5.25
- seis con treinta y cinco6.35
- El número tiene dos decimales.The number has two decimals.
- No me gustan los números con decimales.I don't like numbers with decimals.
- El resultado tiene tres decimales.The result has three decimals.
- Escribe los decimales con cuidado.Write the decimals carefully.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a math problem.
- Daniel¿Cuántos decimales tiene este número?How many decimals does this number have?
- MaríaTiene dos decimales, Daniel.It has two decimals, Daniel.
- DanielEntiendo, gracias por la ayuda.I understand, thanks for the help.
- MaríaDe nada, es muy sencillo.You're welcome, it's very simple.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
