números romanos
/numeɾos ɾomanos/from spelling rulesmasculine, plural
The English phrase "roman numerals" is números romanos in Spanish.
Meaning: system of numerals (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase números romanos is masculine and plural. If you need to refer to a single Roman numeral, use the singular form número romano.
How do you pronounce it?
/numeɾos ɾomanos/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'Roman' is always capitalized, the Spanish adjective romanos is written in lowercase unless it starts a sentence.
- It is a standard convention in Spanish to use números romanos to write centuries, such as siglo XX, whereas English often uses Arabic numerals for the same purpose.
- The word número in Spanish shares its root with the English 'number', but it can also refer to a 'performance' or 'act' in a variety show, unrelated to mathematics.
Examples in context
- Los números romanos se usan en relojes antiguos.Roman numerals are used on antique clocks.
- No entiendo bien los números romanos.I don't understand Roman numerals very well.
- Escribe el siglo usando números romanos.Write the century using Roman numerals.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are studying history in a library.
- Daniel¿Sabes cómo escribir este año en números romanos?Do you know how to write this year in Roman numerals?
- MaríaNo, se me olvidó cómo usar los números romanos.No, I forgot how to use Roman numerals.
- DanielEs un poco difícil para mí también.It is a bit difficult for me too.
- MaríaBusquemos una guía de números romanos en internet.Let's look for a guide to Roman numerals on the internet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “roman numerals” translations and entries números romanos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
