números decimales
/numeɾos deθimales/from spelling rules
The English phrase "decimals numbers" is translated into Spanish as números decimales.
números decimales refers to numbers that use a decimal point to show a fraction of a whole. In most Spanish-speaking countries, a comma is used as the decimal separator instead of a point.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun números (numbers) and the adjective decimales (decimal).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is número decimal.
How do you pronounce it?
/numeɾos deθimales/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word decimal comes from the Latin decimus, meaning 'tenth'. This root also gives English the word 'decimate', which originally meant to kill every tenth soldier in a Roman legion.
- Because some countries use a comma and others use a point, the written number '1.000' can be read as 'one thousand' rather than 'one point zero zero zero'.
- Mexico often adopts the point for números decimales to align with United States standards, diverging from the comma used in Spain or Argentina.
Examples in context
- No entiendo estos números decimales.I don't understand these decimal numbers.
- Escribe los números decimales en la pizarra.Write the decimal numbers on the blackboard.
- Necesito calcular los números decimales correctamente.I need to calculate the decimal numbers correctly.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying math together.
- LucíaMateo, ¿sabes usar números decimales?Mateo, do you know how to use decimal numbers?
- MateoSí, pero son un poco difíciles.Yes, but they are a bit difficult.
- LucíaPodemos practicar los ejercicios ahora.We can practice the exercises now.
- MateoDe acuerdo, Lucía, empecemos ya.Alright, Lucía, let's start now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
