última palabra
/ultima palabɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "last word" can be translated into Spanish as última palabra.
It is also part of the common idiom tener la última palabra, which means to have the final say in an argument or a decision.
Meaning: concluding remarks (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of última (last) and palabra (word).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form últimas palabras is used when referring to the final remarks or the dying words of a person.
How do you pronounce it?
/ultima palabɾa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of 'word' as a promise is so strong that mi palabra is often used as a binding legal or moral contract in traditional honor codes.
- The word palabra shares an ancient root with the English word 'parley', used to describe a conference between enemies to discuss terms.
- When someone wants to have the última palabra in a social setting, it is often associated with the trait of terquedad or stubbornness rather than just leadership.
Examples in context
- Charlie decidió tachar la última palabra.Charlie decided to cross out the last word.This sentence shows the use of última palabra in the context of crossing out a word.Tatoeba #2880064 by marcelostockle, translation #40210 by CN
- Algunas personas parecen querer tener siempre la última palabra.Some people seem to always want to have the last word.This sentence uses the idiom regarding people who want to have the final say.Tatoeba #1410136 by Shishir, translation #1001743 by CK
- Tom es la clase de persona que siempre tiene que tener la última palabra.Tom is the kind of person who always has to have the last word.This sentence describes a person who always needs to have the final say.Tatoeba #1841278 by hayastan, translation #1093428 by CK
- María, tienes la última palabra.María, you have the last word.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are ending a long argument about a movie.
- AlejandroYa no quiero discutir más sobre esto.I don't want to argue about this anymore.
- LucíaEstá bien, pero yo tengo la última palabra.That's fine, but I have the last word.
- AlejandroTú siempre quieres tener la última palabra, Lucía.You always want to have the last word, Lucía.
- LucíaEs que yo siempre tengo la razón.It's because I'm always right.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries palabra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
