un año
/un aɲo/from spelling rules
un año is the Spanish phrase for one year.
The phrase refers to a period of time consisting of twelve months.
Which one should you use?
The variation un añito can be used to convey warmth or affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine indefinite article un because año is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/un aɲo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly write un ano, which actually means 'one anus' instead of 'one year'.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for 'year', año, uses the letter 'ñ', which evolved from the Latin 'nn' in the word 'anno' when scribes began writing two 'n's closely together.
- The letter 'ñ' in año is so iconic to Spanish identity that it is often used as a symbol for the language itself in logos and cultural branding.
- The Spanish word año is used in the term año bisiesto to describe a leap year, which occurs every four years.
Examples in context
- Sucedió hace un año.It happened one year ago.This sentence is useful for describing when an event occurred in relation to un año.Tatoeba #1205430 by cueyayotl, translation #1203169 by CK
- De un año a otro año.From one year to another year.This sentence is useful for expressing a transition from one year to another.Tatoeba #5998849 by albrusgher, translation #3856089 by Maasikas
- Un año tiene doce meses.One year has twelve months.This sentence is useful for stating that un año consists of twelve months.Tatoeba #552511 by Leono, translation #480575 by biglion
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about her new job.
- Javier¿Cuánto dura tu nuevo contrato, María?How long is your new contract, María?
- MaríaEs por un año.It is for one year.
- Javier¡Qué bueno para tu carrera!That is great for your career!
- MaríaSí, estoy muy feliz.Yes, I am very happy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries año, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
