en otras palabras
/en otɾas palabɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "in other words" is translated into Spanish as en otras palabras.
en otras palabras is used to introduce a simpler or different way of explaining something that has already been said. Much like in English, this phrase is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to clarify a previous statement and is often followed by a comma.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English equivalent: en means "in", otras means "other" and palabras means "words".
Which one should you use?
While en otras palabras is a direct equivalent, you may also use Es decir to mean "that is" or "in other words" or Dicho de otra manera which literally means "said in another way".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is always used in the feminine plural form because palabras is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/en otɾas palabɾas/
Did you know?
- If you want to sound even more sophisticated, you can use o sea. Although it literally means 'or be', it is a ubiquitous filler used in almost every Spanish-speaking country to mean 'in other words'.
- In Spanish, the word palabra can mean both 'word' and 'promise', meaning a phrase about clarifying words could conceptually touch on the idea of keeping one's word.
- The word palabras shares a common ancestor with the English word 'parable', as both stem from the Latin root for 'speech'.
Examples in context
- En otras palabras, ella es tonta.In other words, she's dumb.This sentence shows how to use en otras palabras to clarify a description.Tatoeba #1256406 by marcelostockle, translation #870455 by Scott
- En otras palabras, eres un tonto.In other words, you're a fool.Tatoeba #3983730 by senryakun, translation #770835 by Zifre
- En otras palabras, es un perezoso.In other words, he is a lazy person.Tatoeba #431910 by Leono, translation #453912 by saasmath
- No estoy satisfecho con mi trabajo, en otras palabras, quiero cambiar de empleo.I am not satisfied with my job, in other words, I want to change jobs.
- La economía se está deteriorando rápidamente. Es decir, estamos enfrentando una recesión.The economy is deteriorating rapidly. In other words, we are facing a recession.
- Ella es una excelente líder, dicho de otra manera, tiene cualidades sobresalientes.She is an excellent leader, in other words, she has outstanding qualities.
- No puedo ir a la fiesta, o sea que no me esperen.I can't go to the party, so don't expect me.
- No fue un accidente de coche, mejor dicho, fue un choque intencional.It wasn't a car accident, rather it was an intentional crash.
- En otras palabras, no quiere seguir estudiando. No tiene pasión por la ciencia.In other words, he doesn't want to continue studying. He lacks passion for science.
- La situación es bastante complicada. En otras palabras, no hay solución fácil.The situation is quite complicated. In other words, there is no easy solution.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a complicated work project.
- DanielEl presupuesto es insuficiente para el proyecto.The budget is insufficient for the project.
- MaríaEn otras palabras, no tenemos dinero.In other words, we don't have any money.
- DanielExactamente, eso es lo que quiero decir.Exactly, that is what I mean.
- MaríaEntiendo perfectamente la situación, Daniel.I understand the situation perfectly, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en otras palabras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
