decenas
/deθenas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for 'tens' is decenas.
decenas is the plural form of the noun meaning 'tens'. To say 'tens of thousands', you use the standard phrase decenas de miles.
Meaning: plural of 'ten' (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using decenas to mean 'tens of [something]', it must be followed by the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
/deθenas/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the term decena is used in religious contexts to refer to a set of ten prayers, such as a decade of the rosary.
- Beyond counting objects, the root of decenas creates the word decenio, which is used specifically to describe a ten-year span.
- The word decena comes from the Latin decena, which shares the same root as the English word 'decimal' and 'decade'.
Examples in context
- Hoy he visto a decenas de sombríos y enfadados rostros de un vistazo.Today I've seen tens of gloomy angry faces glancing at me.This sentence shows how to use decenas to describe a large number of faces.Tatoeba #6032197 by albrusgher, translation #2942446 by astyng
- En la década de 1990, bandas terroristas causaban decenas de miles de muertes por toda Argelia.In the 1990's, terrorist groups were causing tens of thousands of deaths across Algeria.This sentence uses decenas within the phrase 'tens of thousands' to describe deaths.Tatoeba #10288419 by Seael, translation #7861143 by Amastan
- Decenas de miles de personas se reunieron en la Plaza de San Pedro el domingo por la mañana, a pesar del frío y la lluvia, para participar en la misa solemne con el Papa Francisco en la celebración de la Pascua.Tens of thousands of people gathered in Saint Peter's Square on Sunday morning, despite the cold and the rain, to take part in Solemn Mass with Pope Francis in celebration of Easter.This sentence uses decenas within the phrase 'tens of thousands' to describe people gathering.Tatoeba #4091394 by hayastan, translation #4042327 by Hybrid
- Tengo veinteI am twenty years old.
- ciento veinteOne hundred twenty
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a crowded concert they attended.
- LucíaHabía decenas de personas en la fila.There were tens of people in the line.
- MateoSí, la cola era larguísima.Yes, the line was very long.
- LucíaVi decenas de carteles en el estadio.I saw tens of posters in the stadium.
- MateoFue un espectáculo increíble, Lucía.It was an incredible show, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry decenas, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
