número de seguro social
/numeɾo de seɡuɾo soθjal/from spelling rules
The English phrase social security number is translated into Spanish as número de seguro social.
The phrase refers to the nine-digit number issued in the US under the Social Security Act. When referring to a specific person's number, it is common to use the definite article el before the phrase, resulting in el número de seguro social.
Meaning: nine-digit number issued in the US under the Social Security Act (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of número (number), de (of), seguro (security/insurance) and social (social).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the word número changes to números, resulting in números de seguro social.
How do you pronounce it?
/numeɾo de seɡuɾo soθjal/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the equivalent of a 'social security number' is called a DNI or cédula, as they serve as national identity cards rather than just benefit numbers.
- In Spanish, the word seguro is an adjective that can mean 'sure' or 'certain', which is why someone saying estoy seguro is saying 'I am sure' rather than 'I am insured'.
- The word número descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *nem-, which originally meant 'to assign' or 'to allot'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, proporcione su número de Seguro Social para completar el formulario de solicitud.Please provide your social security number to complete the application form.
- No puedo recordar mi número de la seguridad social ahora mismo, lo siento.I can't remember my social security number right now, sorry.
- Necesito su número de seguro social.I need your social security number.
- Escriba su número de seguro social aquí.Write your social security number here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, número, seguro, social, CC BY-SA 4.0.
