números negativos
/numeɾos neɡatibos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "negative numbers" is translated into Spanish as números negativos.
The term números negativos refers to numbers that are less than zero. The word menos means "minus" or "less" in Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows standard Spanish noun-adjective agreement, so the singular form is número negativo.
How do you pronounce it?
/numeɾos neɡatibos/
Did you know?
- While números negativos is the formal term, Spanish speakers often describe a negative balance in a bank account as being en rojo, meaning 'in red'.
- The word negativo shares the same root as negar, meaning 'to deny'. In a mathematical sense, a negative number 'denies' the existence of a positive quantity.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, when reading a mathematical expression like -5, people often say menos cinco instead of número negativo cinco.
Examples in context
- El producto de dos números negativos es positivo.The product of two negative numbers is positive.This sentence demonstrates a mathematical rule involving números negativos.Tatoeba #1701652 by marcelostockle, translation #1699595 by CK
- El balance de la cuenta es menos cinco.The account balance is minus five (-5).
- No me gustan los números negativos.I don't like negative numbers.
- ¿Puedes explicar los números negativos en clase?Can you explain negative numbers in class?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are studying math together in a library.
- LucíaJavier, no entiendo los números negativos.Javier, I don't understand negative numbers.
- JavierSon fáciles si usas una recta numérica.They are easy if you use a number line.
- Lucía¿Me ayudas con este ejercicio, por favor?Can you help me with this exercise, please?
- JavierClaro, Lucía, lo intentaremos juntos.Of course, Lucía, we will try together.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
