multiplicación
/multiplikaˈθjon/
The English word multiplication is translated into Spanish as multiplicación.
multiplicación is a noun used to describe the calculation.
Meaning: calculation (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine and requires the feminine article la (la multiplicación). To form the plural, add -es to the end of the word to get multiplicaciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/multiplikaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The root of multiplicación is linked to the Latin word plicō, which means 'to fold'. This suggests that to multiply is, etymologically, to 'fold many times'.
- Spanish uses the word multiplicar as a verb not only for math, but also to describe the rapid spread of news or rumors. To say something 'multiplied' in this sense means it grew exponentially through word of mouth.
- Spanish speakers use multiplicación to describe things beyond math, such as the biological phenomenon of population growth or even religious miracles.
Examples in context
- La civilización es la ilimitada multiplicación de necesidades innecesarias.Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.This sentence illustrates the use of multiplicación in a metaphorical sense regarding the growth of needs.Tatoeba #1446745 by hayastan, translation #667896 by CK
- El resultado de la multiplicación es correcto.The result of the multiplication is correct.
- Necesitamos multiplicar estos números.We need to multiply these numbers.
- El producto de 5 por 4 es 20.The product of 5 times 4 is 20.
- Voy a hacer la multiplicación de estos números.I'm going to do the multiplication of these numbers.
- Vamos a multiplicar estos números. Uso la "x".Let's multiply these numbers. I use "la equis".
- Debes practicar la multiplicación para el examen.You must practice multiplication for the exam.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are studying for a math test.
- ElenaNo entiendo esta multiplicación.I don't understand this multiplication.
- JavierYo te ayudo, Elena.I will help you, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. Es muy difícil.Thanks, Javier. It is very difficult.
- JavierSolo sigue los pasos.Just follow the steps.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry multiplicación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries multiplicación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
