equis
/ˈekis/
The English phrase x is translated into Spanish as equis.
The term equis is the name of the twenty-fourth letter of the English alphabet. In colloquial Spanish, the phrase una equis is used to refer to an unknown or unimportant person, similar to the English expression "somebody" or "a certain someone".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈekis/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the word equis is frequently used as a standalone adjective meaning 'whatever' or 'indifferent'. A person might respond to a question with just equis to show they do not care about the outcome.
- While equis denotes insignificance, Spanish has a specific mathematical term incógnita to describe the 'x' in an equation. This word literally translates to 'the unknown'.
- While 'una equis' refers to an unimportant person, calling someone 'un cero a la izquierda' is a more common way to describe someone who is considered irrelevant or lacks influence.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría hacerme el favor de mostrarme esa chaqueta, por favor?Could you do me the favor of showing me that jacket, please?
- ¿Me puedes hacer el favor de prestarme tu bolígrafo?Can you do me the favor of lending me your pen?
- Me gustaría que me expliques cómo llegar a la plaza principal.I would like you to explain to me how to get to the main square.
- La palabra empieza con una equis.The word starts with an x.
- Escribe una equis en el papel.Write an x on the paper.
- Esa letra es la equis.That letter is the x.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are spelling a word together for a class.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿cuál es la siguiente letra?Alejandro, what is the next letter?
- AlejandroCreo que es una equis.I think it is an x.
- ElenaTienes razón, es una equis.You are right, it is an x.
- AlejandroPerfecto, ya terminamos de deletrear.Perfect, we are finished spelling it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry equis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
