Greetings! Learning how to express numbers in another language is an exciting journey. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “thirteenth” in Spanish. We’ll cover both formal and informal variations, providing tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Thirteenth” in Spanish
When it comes to formal language, typically used in professional settings or when showing respect, Spanish offers a couple of options for expressing “thirteenth.” The most common way is to mention the ordinal number within a context or sentence. Let’s see some examples:
- Decimotercero /-a: This is the neutral term used for “thirteenth” in formal Spanish. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For instance,
El decimotercero día del mes. (The thirteenth day of the month.)
La decimotercera vez que visito este lugar. (The thirteenth time I visit this place.)
Informal Ways to Say “Thirteenth” in Spanish
Conversational Spanish offers some more dynamic and informal options to express the concept of “thirteenth.” Let’s explore a few of them:
- Treceavo /-a: This term is a contraction of “trece” (thirteen) and “avo” (an abbreviation of “avo/a”). It is often used in spoken language and can be considered a less formal alternative. Here are a couple of examples:
La treceava vez que vamos a este restaurante. (The thirteenth time we go to this restaurant.)
El treceavo día del mes. (The thirteenth day of the month.)
- Décimo tercero /-a: Although we already mentioned “decimotercero/-a” as the formal way, this form can still be used in certain informal contexts. It is more common in regions like Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Here are a couple examples:
El décimo tercero día del mes es mi cumpleaños. (The thirteenth day of the month is my birthday.)
Fuimos a nuestra décima tercera cita. (We went on our thirteenth date.)
Tips when Talking about “Thirteenth” in Spanish
Now that we have explored different ways to express “thirteenth” in Spanish, let’s go over some tips to enhance your understanding:
- Masculine vs. Feminine: In Spanish, the ordinal numbers agree in gender and number with the noun they refer to. For example, if referring to a feminine noun, like “vez” (time) in the previous examples, you would use “decimotercera” or “treceava” instead of “decimotercero” or “treceavo”.
- Context is Key: Ordinal numbers are often used within specific contexts, such as dates, rankings, or sequences. Understanding the purpose of the number will help you choose the most appropriate form.
- Regional Variations: While the examples provided above are widely understood and used across the Spanish-speaking world, some regions may have slight variations in the terms they prefer. If interacting with native speakers from a specific region, it is always helpful to research or ask about any specific divergences.
Conclusion
Congratulations on building your knowledge of how to say “thirteenth” in Spanish! Remember, in formal settings, using “decimotercero /-a” is the common choice, while “treceavo /-a” and “décimo tercero /-a” offer more informal alternatives. Pay attention to gender agreement and the context in which you use these terms. Keep practicing, and your language skills will continue to flourish. ¡Buena suerte!
