duda
/ˈduda/feminine
The English word 'doubt' translates to duda in Spanish.
duda is a noun used to express disbelief or uncertainty about something. A very common expression in professional or classroom settings is tener una duda, which is the standard way to say 'to have a question'.
Meaning: disbelief or uncertainty (about something) (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the noun duda (doubt) and the related verb dudar (to doubt).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
duda is a feminine noun and takes the feminine article la (e.g., la duda). When using the related verb dudar to express doubt regarding a person or a specific thing, it is often followed by the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈduda/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase no cabe duda literally means 'no doubt fits', but it is used to say that something is absolutely certain.
- Using the phrase dudo de ti goes beyond mere uncertainty and often implies a deep lack of trust in someone's moral character or honesty.
- The word duda evolved from the Old Spanish form dubda, which explains why the letter 'b' appears in its English relative 'dubious'.
Examples in context
- ¿Dudas de mi lealtad?You doubt my loyalty?This example shows the verb form of duda used in a question about loyalty.Tatoeba #1501357 by marcelostockle, translation #1526484 by pauldhunt
- Estoy llena de dudas.I am full of doubt.This example shows how to express being full of duda.Tatoeba #2121234 by hayastan, translation #1771995 by gone2bacolod
- ¿Por qué dudas de mí?Why do you doubt me?This example shows the use of the verb form of duda in a question regarding a person.Tatoeba #5147784 by don_ramon, translation #3737834 by CK
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a difficult decision at work.
- Elena¿Tienes alguna duda sobre el plan?Do you have any doubt about the plan?
- JavierTengo una duda sobre el presupuesto.I have a doubt about the budget.
- ElenaNo debería haber duda de que es suficiente.There shouldn't be any doubt that it is enough.
- JavierEstá bien, lo revisaré de nuevo.Alright, I will check it again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doubt” translations and entries duda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
