una semana
/una semana/from spelling rules
In Spanish, one week is una semana.
Una semana refers to a period of seven consecutive days. If you need to be highly precise or formal, you might use the phrase un lapso de siete días to mean a span of seven days. In legal or contractual contexts, the phrase un período de una semana is also used to express one week.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of una (one/a) and semana (week).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because semana is a feminine noun, the number 'one' must be the feminine form una rather than the masculine un. To express the concept of 'next week', you can use the phrase la semana que viene.
How do you pronounce it?
/una semana/
Did you know?
- The word semana is derived from the Latin word for 'seventh', rather than a word for 'seven'. It reflects the ancient practice of counting days toward the seventh day of the cycle.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the official calendar week begins on Monday rather than Sunday.
- While semanalmente means 'weekly', Spanish speakers often prefer por semana when talking about salaries or habits.
Examples in context
- El combate duró una semana.The fighting lasted one week.This sentence shows how to describe the duration of an event using una semana.Tatoeba #1388353 by marcelostockle, translation #807031 by Source_VOA
- Recibí una carta escrita hace una semana.I received a letter written one week ago.This sentence shows how to use una semana to indicate how long ago something happened.Tatoeba #1637540 by teskmon, translation #252216 by CM
- Ellos se rindieron en menos de una semana.In less than one week, they surrendered.This sentence shows how to use una semana to describe a timeframe in which an action occurred.Tatoeba #1530967 by marcelostockle, translation #802423 by Source_VOA
- Tendremos una reunión en una semanaWe will have a meeting in one week
- Deberá entregar el informe en un lapso de siete díasYou must submit the report within a span of seven days
- La reserva tiene una validez de un período de una semanaThe reservation is valid for a period of one week
- Hace calor desde hace una semana enteraIt has been hot for a whole week
- La fiesta será dentro de siete díasThe party will be in seven days
- Viajaré a Madrid dentro de una semanaI will travel to Madrid in one week
- Voy a comenzar un nuevo trabajo dentro de una semanaI am starting a new job in one week
- Te veré en una semana, ¡tengo muchas ganas!I'll see you in one week, I'm really excited!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing her upcoming vacation.
- Mateo¿Cuánto tiempo estarás de vacaciones, Elena?How long will you be on vacation, Elena?
- ElenaEstaré fuera solamente una semana.I will be away for only one week.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! Disfruta mucho tu viaje.That's great! Enjoy your trip a lot.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo. Te veo pronto.Thanks, Mateo. See you soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semana, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
