en tercer lugar
/en teɾθeɾ luɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The English word 'thirdly' is translated into Spanish as en tercer lugar.
en tercer lugar is used to mean 'in the third place' or to denote that something is 'third in a row'. You may also use the synonym terceramente to express the same idea, or the phrase como tercer punto to mean 'as a third point'. While en tercer lugar is the standard way to transition in a list, the word tercero can be used on its own to mean 'third' when acting as an adjective or a noun.
Meaning: in the third place, third in a row (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en tercer lugar is composed of the preposition en (in), the ordinal number tercer (third) and the noun lugar (place).
Which one should you use?
While en tercer lugar is the standard expression, you might encounter en tercerísimo lugar, which is a playful and informal variation used to add emphasis or humor.
How does it change in a sentence?
This shortened form is used because it precedes a masculine singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/en teɾθeɾ luɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- While en tercer lugar is the standard, speakers sometimes use en tercerísimo lugar to be playful, using a superlative form that doesn't exist in standard English ordinal numbers.
- The word lugar shares a root with the English word 'lodge', as both derive from the Latin locus meaning 'place'.
- In Spanish, the ordinal number tercero drops its final 'o' to become tercer specifically when it comes before a masculine singular noun like lugar.
Examples in context
- En tercer lugar, discutiremos los efectos del estrés en nuestra salud mental.Thirdly, we will discuss the effects of stress on our mental health.
- En tercer lugar, diseñaremos un plan de acción concreto.Thirdly, we will design a concrete action plan.
- En tercer lugar, debemos considerar el costo.Thirdly, we must consider the cost.
- En tercer lugar, el cliente quiere un reembolso.Thirdly, the customer wants a refund.
- En tercer lugar, no hay suficientes sillas.Thirdly, there are not enough chairs.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are planning a trip.
- ElenaPrimero, compremos los boletos.First, let's buy the tickets.
- AlejandroLuego, busquemos un hotel.Then, let's look for a hotel.
- ElenaEn tercer lugar, preparemos la maleta.Thirdly, let's pack the suitcase.
- AlejandroPerfecto, Alejandro está listo.Perfect, Alejandro is ready.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
