valor posicional
/baloɾ posiθjonal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "place value" is translated into Spanish as valor posicional.
The term refers to the value of a digit. When working with numbers in Spanish, note that the period (.) is used to separate thousands and the comma (,) is used as the decimal separator.
Meaning: value of a digit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of valor (value) and posicional (positional).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form "place values", you must pluralize both the noun and the adjective to valores posicionales.
How do you pronounce it?
/baloɾ posiθjonal/
Did you know?
- The word valor is a homonym in Spanish, meaning both 'value' in a mathematical sense and 'bravery' or 'courage' in a personal sense.
- The word valor is derived from the Latin valeō, which originally meant 'to be strong' or 'to be well'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the period used for thousands in valor posicional is replaced by a thin space to avoid confusion with the decimal comma.
Examples in context
- Debes entender el valor posicional de cada cifra.You must understand the place value of each digit.
- El valor posicional del cinco es cincuenta.The place value of the five is fifty.
- Ese ejercicio trata sobre el valor posicional.That exercise is about place value.
Example conversation
Daniel is helping María with her math homework.
- Daniel¿Sabes qué es el valor posicional?Do you know what place value is?
- MaríaNo, Daniel, ¿me lo puedes explicar?No, Daniel, can you explain it to me?
- DanielClaro, mira el valor posicional de este número.Sure, look at the place value of this number.
- María¡Ah, ya entiendo cómo funciona!Ah, now I understand how it works!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries posicional, valor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
