Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| serie | /ˈseɾje/ | feminine |
| retahíla | /retaˈila/ | feminine |
The noun serie refers to a number of things that follow one after another. You will see the phrase una serie de used to indicate a sequence of events or objects, behaving much like the English 'a series of'.
Which one should you use?
While serie is used for a general sequence, the word retahíla is used specifically for a long, often tedious or repetitive string of things, such as a sequence of words, excuses or insults.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun serie is feminine, which means it requires feminine articles and adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈseɾje/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the masculine form el serie. English speakers sometimes make this mistake by associating the word with masculine concepts like el número or el conjunto, but in Spanish, it is always feminine.
Did you know?
- In mathematics, a serie is distinct from a sucesión. A sucesión is the list of numbers, while a serie is the sum of those numbers.
- In Spanish culture, a retahíla is also a traditional type of children's game or rhyme used to decide who is 'it' or to pass the time.
- The term retahíla stems from the Latin words for 'straight' and 'thread', literally suggesting a sequence that is spun out like a single thread.
Examples in context
- Tom cometió una serie de asesinatos.Tom committed a series of murders.This sentence shows how to use serie to describe a sequence of crimes.Tatoeba #3902052 by gianich73, translation #3901930 by Amastan
- Ellos dieron una serie de conciertos.They gave a series of concerts.This sentence demonstrates serie used in the context of a sequence of concerts.Tatoeba #1292299 by hayastan, translation #306172 by CK
- ¿Cual es tu serie de televisión favorita?What's your favorite TV series?This sentence shows how to ask about a favorite TV serie.Tatoeba #3791278 by Seael, translation #906976 by CK
- Me gusta ver series de televisión en mi tiempo libre.I enjoy watching television series in my free time.
- ¿Has visto la nueva serie de comedia en Netflix?Have you seen the new comedy series on Netflix?
- Anoche vimos una excelente serie de televisión de ciencia ficción.Last night, we watched an excellent science fiction TV series.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about their weekend plans at home.
- MaríaQuiero ver una serie nueva esta noche.I want to watch a new series tonight.
- Alejandro¿Tienes una serie en mente?Do you have a series in mind?
- MaríaSí, encontré una serie de ciencia ficción.Yes, I found a science fiction series.
- AlejandroPerfecto, la vemos juntos.Perfect, let's watch it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “series” translations and entries serie, retahíla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries retahíla, serie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
