el número 10
In Spanish, "the number 10" is said as el número 10.
This phrase is used to identify the specific cardinal number that follows nine and precedes eleven.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the definite article el (the), the noun número (number) and the numeral 10 (diez).
Which one should you use?
While el número 10 refers to the phrase "the number 10", you use diez when you are referring specifically to the value itself without the word "number".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because número is a masculine noun, the definite article must be the masculine el rather than the feminine la.
Did you know?
- When talking about time, the number 10 can be expressed as las diez, using a feminine plural article because it refers to the hidden word horas, meaning 'hours'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the number 10 is symbolically linked to the 'number 10' jersey in football, often reserved for the team's most creative playmaker or star player.
- Although the Spanish article el looks like the Arabic word for 'the' al, they are actually unrelated and developed independently.
Examples in context
- La reunión comienza a las diez en punto.The meeting starts at ten o'clock.
- La obra de teatro inicia a las diez de la mañana.The theater play begins at ten in the morning.
- Las reservas se deben hacer con al menos diez días de anticipación.Reservations must be made at least ten days in advance.
- Voy a tu casa a las diez de la noche.I'm coming to your house at ten o'clock at night.
- El juego de fútbol empieza a las diez, ¿quieres venir?The soccer game starts at ten, do you want to come?
- Quedamos en encontrarnos a las diez en el parque.We agreed to meet at ten in the park.
- El número 10 es mi favorito.The number 10 is my favorite.
- ¿Sabes cuál es el número 10 en francés?Do you know what the number 10 is in French?
- Escribe el número 10 en tu cuaderno.Write the number 10 in your notebook.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are playing a board game.
- Mateo¡He sacado el número 10!I drew the number 10!
- Sofía¡Qué suerte tienes, Mateo!You are so lucky, Mateo!
- MateoAhora es tu turno de jugar.Now it is your turn to play.
- SofíaEspero sacar un número alto.I hope to draw a high number.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, número, CC BY-SA 4.0.
