uno, dos, tres, cuatro
The phrase "one, two, three, four" in Spanish is uno, dos, tres, cuatro.
This phrase represents the first four counting numbers in sequence.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used immediately before a masculine noun, uno shortens to un. When counting feminine nouns, uno changes to una.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, children use a traditional counting rhyme called un, dos, tres, el que se mueva pierde to play a game similar to 'statues'.
- While uno is the number 'one', the Spanish word for 'a' or 'an' is un or una, which are actually just shortened versions of the number.
- The Spanish word dos shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'two', meaning they are distant linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- La reunión comenzará a las cuatro en puntoThe meeting will start at four o'clock sharp
- Tengo tres perros en casaI have three dogs at home
- Había cuatro personas en la fiestaThere were four people at the party
- Cuenta hasta cuatro: uno, dos, tres, cuatro.Count to four: one, two, three, four.
Example conversation
Elena is teaching Mateo how to count in Spanish.
- Elena¿Sabes contar en español?Do you know how to count in Spanish?
- MateoNo, pero puedo decir uno, dos, tres, cuatro.No, but I can say one, two, three, four.
- Elena¡Muy bien hecho, Mateo!Very well done, Mateo!
- MateoGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuatro, dos, tres, uno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
