frase
/fɾase/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for sentence is frase.
frase is used to refer to a sentence. While it is commonly used in everyday speech to mean a sentence, it can also refer more specifically to a phrase or a short expression in various linguistic contexts.
Meaning: grammatically complete series of words consisting of a subject and predicate (noun)
Which one should you use?
In strict linguistic terms, frase often refers to a phrase or a short expression rather than a full grammatical sentence. If you want to be more precise and refer to a complete grammatical sentence that contains a verb, the term oración is more accurate.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/fɾase/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word sentencia to mean a grammatical sentence. In Spanish, sentencia usually refers to a judicial sentence or a formal verdict. To express the act of declaring a sentence on a convicted person, you should use the verbs sentenciar or condenar.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word oración refers to both a grammatical sentence and a prayer. When someone is in oración, they might be studying grammar or speaking to God.
- If you describe a sentence as cortante, you are not talking about its length. You are describing the tone as 'curt' or 'sharp' in a way that might offend the listener.
- The word frase shares an ancient ancestor with the Greek word φράσις, which refers specifically to a 'manner of expression' rather than just a string of words.
Examples in context
- Esta frase es mía.This sentence is mine.This example shows how to indicate ownership of the frase.Tatoeba #1481645 by marcelostockle, translation #788588 by siggg
- Es una frase obvia.This is an obvious sentence.This example is useful for describing an frase as being obvious.Tatoeba #1138366 by Shishir, translation #806691 by nexx
- Eso no es una frase.That is not a sentence.This example is useful for stating that something does not constitute a frase.Tatoeba #1294969 by hayastan, translation #9190788 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Cómo está usted?How are you?
- Juan, eres muy divertidoJuan, you are very funny.
- Los perros ladranThe dogs bark.
- Una casa bonitaA beautiful house.
- Me gustaría reservar una mesa para dos personas, por favorI would like to reserve a table for two, please.
- ¿Me podría ayudar con estas maletas, por favor?Could you help me with these suitcases, please?
- Le agradezco por su atenciónI appreciate your attention.
- ¿Quieres salir al cine mañana?Do you want to go to the movies tomorrow?
- ¡Qué divertida fue la fiesta anoche!How fun was the party last night!
- No te preocupes, todo estará bienDon't worry, everything will be fine.
- ¡Buena suerte!Good luck!
- 323 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are studying Spanish grammar together.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿entiendes esta frase?Alejandro, do you understand this sentence?
- AlejandroNo, la frase es muy difícil.No, the sentence is very difficult.
- MaríaYo te ayudo con ella.I will help you with it.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frase, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
