Are you interested in discovering how to express the concept of “per” in Spanish? Whether you want to know how to convey price per item, rate per hour, or any other context where per is used, this guide will help you navigate the various ways to express it in Spanish. We’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “per” and provide useful examples along the way. So let’s dive in and expand your Spanish vocabulary!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying “Per”
When it comes to formal expressions, Spanish offers a variety of ways to convey the concept of “per.” The most common formal equivalents of “per” are:
- Por: This is the most commonly used preposition to express “per” in formal Spanish. It indicates a rate, price, or unit of measure per item or unit.
- Cada: This word is frequently used to mean “per” when expressing a specific quantity or rate per item. It is often used in combination with a noun.
- En: Although primarily meaning “in,” “en” can also be used to express “per” in certain formal contexts, such as stating a price per hour.
Let’s explore these formal expressions further with some examples:
El precio es de $5 por unidad.
The price is $5 per unit.
La tarifa es de $10 cada hora.
The rate is $10 per hour.
El salario es de $15 en jornada completa.
The salary is $15 per full day of work.
Informal Ways of Saying “Per”
Informally, Spanish speakers often rely on different expressions to convey the concept of “per.” These alternatives are commonly heard in daily conversations and have slightly different nuances. Check out some popular informal ways of expressing “per” in Spanish:
- Por cada: This combination of words serves as a common way to say “per” in an informal setting, emphasizing a rate or quantity per item.
- A cada: Similar to “por cada,” “a cada” is used to express a rate or quantity per item, but with a slightly softer tone.
- Cada uno/a: This simple expression, meaning “each one,” is often used to indicate “per” in an informal context.
Let’s see these informal expressions in action:
Tienes que pagar $2 por cada cerveza.
You have to pay $2 per beer.
La propina es de $5 a cada camarero.
The tip is $5 per waiter.
Hay que comprar dos boletos, cada uno a $10.
We need to buy two tickets, each one for $10.
Regional Variations
While the formal and informal expressions discussed above are commonly used across Spanish-speaking regions, it’s important to note that there might be slight regional variations or preferences in certain countries or communities. Here are a couple of examples:
- De cada: This expression is commonly used in some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, to mean “per” in an informal context.
- Por cada uno/a: In some regions, particularly in Spain, this longer expression is sometimes preferred to emphasize “per” in an informal setting.
You don’t need to worry too much about these regional variations as the previously mentioned formal and informal expressions will be well understood by Spanish speakers throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Additional Tips and Phrases
Here are a few additional tips and useful phrases related to expressing “per” in Spanish:
- Per day/week/month: Para expresar “per day,” “per week,” or “per month,” you can use “por día,” “por semana,” or “por mes” respectively.
- Per person: To indicate “per person,” use the phrase “por persona.”
- Per kilogram/liter: If you need to specify “per kilogram” or “per liter,” use “por kilogramo” or “por litro” accordingly.
Remember, the choice between formal and informal expressions depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey. Don’t be afraid to practice these phrases and experiment with them in different situations. It will help you sound more natural and fluent in Spanish!
Now that you’ve learned the different ways to say “per” in Spanish, you are equipped with a useful tool to express various rates, prices, and quantities. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be seamlessly using these expressions in your conversations. ¡Buena suerte!
