In this guide, we will explore the different ways to express the phrase “one third” in Spanish. We will cover both formal and informal variations, including helpful tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. Whether you’re learning Spanish for work, travel, or personal enrichment, this guide will provide you with the necessary tools to express fractions with ease.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Let’s start with the formal ways of saying “one third” in Spanish. These expressions are more appropriate for formal settings such as academic or professional contexts.
1. “Un tercio”
The most common and straightforward way to say “one third” in Spanish is “un tercio.” This expression is widely used across all Spanish-speaking countries and is accepted in both Spain and Latin America. It is the most neutral and universally understood term for expressing this fraction.
Example:
Tenemos un tercio de la pizza para cada uno. (We have one third of the pizza for each one.)
2. “Una tercera parte”
Another formal way to express “one third” is by saying “una tercera parte.” This phrase is more precise and can be used interchangeably with “un tercio.” Although it sounds slightly more formal, it is still appropriate for most formal conversations.
Example:
Cada año, donamos una tercera parte de nuestras ganancias a organizaciones benéficas. (Every year, we donate one third of our profits to charitable organizations.)
Informal Expressions
When it comes to informal situations, Spanish speakers often use colloquial expressions to describe fractions, including “one third.” These variations add a touch of informality and are commonly used in everyday conversations.
1. “Un tercito”
In casual conversations, you can shorten “un tercio” to “un tercito” to make it sound more informal and friendly. This variation is commonly used among friends, family, and in informal contexts.
Example:
Podemos dividir las galletas en un tercito para cada uno. (We can split the cookies into one third each.)
2. “Una tercera”
Similar to the formal expression “una tercera parte,” in informal situations, you can say “una tercera” to refer to “one third.” This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations and is slightly more casual than “un tercio.”
Example:
Creo que solo me queda una tercera del pastel. (I think I only have one third of the cake left.)
Additional Tips
1. Fractions as Nouns
In Spanish, fractions can act both as nouns and as adjectives. When used as nouns, they require an accompanying article (un, una) to indicate the quantity or size. For example:
- Un tercio del tiempo (One third of the time)
- Una cuarta de la torta (One quarter of the cake)
- Un medio de la pizza (One half of the pizza)
2. Fraction Agreement
Unlike in English, where fractions remain unchanged regardless of the noun they modify, in Spanish, fractions must agree in gender and number with the noun they refer to. For example:
- Un tercio del pastel (One third of the cake)
- Una tercera parte del libro (One third of the book)
3. Regional Variations
While “un tercio” and “una tercera parte” are universally understood across Spanish-speaking countries, it’s worth noting that some regional variations may exist. For example, in some Latin American countries, you might encounter the term “una tercia” or “un tercio de parte” as alternatives. However, these variations are not as common and might confuse listeners outside those specific regions.
In Conclusion
In this guide, we explored various ways to express “one third” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember, “un tercio” and “una tercera parte” are the most widely accepted and understood expressions across the Spanish-speaking world. If you want to add a touch of informality, you can use “un tercito” or “una tercera” in casual conversations. Additionally, keep in mind the important tips provided, such as using fractions as nouns and ensuring fraction agreement with the accompanying noun. With these tools and examples in hand, you’ll be able to confidently express “one third” in Spanish in a variety of contexts.
