Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cada | /ˈkada/ | |
| cada uno | /ˌkada ˈuno/ | |
| sendos | /ˈsendos/ | adjective, plural |
cada is a determiner used to denote every member of a group or to express frequency, such as cada semana (each week). When you want to say 'each one' or 'each' as a pronoun to replace a noun, you should use cada uno or cada una. These pronouns can also mean 'apiece' or 'individually'.
Which one should you use?
cada is used as an adjective before a noun to describe frequency or distribution. In contrast, cada uno and cada una are pronouns used to replace a noun. The word sendos is an adjective that is more literary or archaic. It specifically implies that two or more people received one item each, whereas cada is the standard for general frequency and distribution.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina or Uruguay, the phrase por cabeza can be used informally to mean 'each' when dividing or distributing something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
cada is an invariable adjective, so it does not change its form to match the gender or number of the noun it modifies. However, the pronoun cada uno must change to cada una to agree with a feminine noun that is being replaced.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkada/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using cada as a pronoun on its own to mean 'each one'. For example, do not say cada es feliz. Instead, use cada uno or cada uno de ellos when the noun is omitted.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cada shares a common ancestor with the English word 'catalogue'. Both originate from the Ancient Greek word κατά, which meant 'down' or 'according to'.
Examples in context
- A cada uno lo suyo.To each his own.This sentence shows the use of cada in an idiomatic expression.Tatoeba #577885 by Leono, translation #349813 by human600
- Cada gato es único.Each cat is unique.This sentence demonstrates how cada is used to modify a noun.Tatoeba #11690842 by ecorralest101, translation #11777706 by Masatami
- Lo hacen cada semana.They do it each week.This sentence illustrates using cada to express frequency.Tatoeba #1567741 by marcelostockle, translation #1567739 by Spamster
- Cada estudiante recibirá un premio.Each student will receive an award.
- Todos los empleados tendrán una reunión cada semana.All employees will have a meeting each week.
- Comimos un chocolate cada uno.We each ate a chocolate.
- Tenemos que pagar $10 por cabeza para entrar al parque.We have to pay $10 each to enter the park.
- Vamos a repartir una rebanada de pastel por cabeza.We will distribute one slice of cake each.
- Cada participante recibirá un certificado de reconocimiento.Each participant will receive a certificate of recognition.
- Me gustaría comprar un regalo para cada uno de mis amigos.I would like to buy a gift for each of my friends.
- Cada página de este libro está llena de conocimiento.Each page of this book is full of knowledge.
- Los vecinos decidieron hacer una fiesta en cada jardín de la cuadra.The neighbors decided to have a party in each yard of the block.
- 259 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are organizing a group dinner.
- DanielCada persona debe traer un plato.Each person must bring a dish.
- SofíaEstá bien, yo traeré la ensalada.That's fine, I will bring the salad.
- DanielPerfecto, avisaré a los demás ahora.Perfect, I'll let the others know now.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel.Thank you, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “each” translations and entries cada, cada uno, sendos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cada, cada uno, sendos, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
