oración
grammar, everyday
In Mexican Spanish a sentence is an oración in grammar class and a frase in everyday talk. Sentencia means a court ruling or prison sentence, so it is not the word for a sentence of words.
Meaning: group of words with a complete meaning (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| oración | grammar, everyday |
| Frase | everyday |
| Sentencia | court ruling |
A teacher asks Escribe una oración con esta palabra. A friend might say Repite la frase when you did not hear them.
Which one should you use?
Oración is the school term, as in análisis de oraciones. Frase is looser and can be a short phrase or a saying. Sentencia is only for a judge's decision.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because English "sentence" has both meanings, learners often use sentencia for a sentence of words. In Mexico that is understood as a legal verdict.
Did you know?
- The grammar word oración shares its root with the word for "prayer", since both come from the Latin for speaking.
Examples in context
- Escribe una oración con la palabra "casa".Write a sentence with the word "house".
- Repite la frase, por favor.Repeat the sentence, please.
- El juez dictó la sentencia.The judge handed down the sentence.
Example conversation
Mrs. Torres teaches a Spanish class to a student named Pablo in Mexico City.
- Maestra TorresPablo, escribe una oración con "perro".Pablo, write a sentence with "dog".
- PabloMi perro corre en el parque.My dog runs in the park.
- Maestra TorresMuy bien. Es una oración completa.Very good. It is a complete sentence.
