Frase
/fɾase/from spelling rules
The English word 'phrase' is translated into Spanish as Frase.
Frase refers to a small group of words that form a meaningful part of a sentence or a short expression. You can also use the term frase hecha to refer to an idiom or a fixed expression.
Which one should you use?
While frase can mean a short expression or phrase, it is also frequently used to mean a complete sentence, whereas oración is the more precise grammatical term for a complete sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Frase is frases.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɾase/
Did you know?
- While 'sentence' in English can mean a judicial punishment, the Spanish word frase is strictly linguistic and cannot be used to talk about legal rulings.
- The word frase shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'phrase', both tracing back to the Greek word φράσις, which refers to a 'manner of expression'.
- In common speech, frase is often used to describe a quote or a 'catchphrase', while the more technical term for a sentence is oración.
Examples in context
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- Buenas tardesGood afternoon
- Buenas nochesGood evening/night
- Por favorPlease
- GraciasThank you
- De nadaYou're welcome
- ¿Cómo está usted?How are you?
- Encantado/a de conocerleNice to meet you
- DisculpeExcuse me
- ¿Qué tal?How's it going?
- BuenasHi
- PorfaPlease (short for "por favor")
- DisculpaSorry
- ¿Cómo estás, güey?How are you, dude?
- Chido/aCool
- NetaReally?
- Tío/aMate
- ValeOkay
- CheHey
- DaleSure
- No entiendo esta frase.I don't understand this phrase.
- Esa es una frase muy famosa.That is a very famous phrase.
- Escribe una frase corta en el papel.Write a short phrase on the paper.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are studying a Spanish textbook together.
- Elena¿Qué significa esta frase?What does this phrase mean?
- AlejandroEs una frase difícil, Elena.It is a difficult phrase, Elena.
- ElenaTienes razón, es muy larga.You are right, it is very long.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo.Don't worry, I will help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frase, CC BY-SA 4.0.
