How do you say 'first' in Spanish?

The word for 'first' is 'primero'. However, when it comes before a masculine singular noun, it shortens to 'primer' (e.g., el primer día). For feminine nouns, it remains 'primera' (la primera clase). For dates, use 'primero' only for the first day of the month (el primero de enero); otherwise, use cardinal numbers (el dos de febrero).

When do you use 'un' vs 'uno' in Spanish?

'Uno' is used when counting (uno, dos, tres) or as a pronoun meaning 'one' (Tengo uno). 'Un' is the masculine singular indefinite article used before nouns (un libro). Similarly, 'veintiuno' becomes 'veintiún' before masculine nouns (veintiún años) but stays 'veintiuna' before feminine nouns (veintiuna casas).

How do you tell time in Spanish?

Use the verb 'ser': 'Es la una' for 1:00, and 'Son las' for all other hours. For minutes past the hour, use 'y' (Son las dos y cinco). For minutes to the hour, use 'menos' (Son las tres menos cuarto). For 12:00, say 'Es mediodía' (noon) or 'Es medianoche' (midnight).

How do you write dates in Spanish?

Dates are written with the day first, then the month, and optionally the year. Use cardinal numbers for the day (except the first, which uses 'primero'): el 5 de julio de 1999. The year is read as a full number: mil novecientos noventa y nueve. In writing, you can use numerals: 5/7/1999 (day/month/year).

What is the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers in Spanish?

Cardinal numbers indicate quantity (one, two, three) and are used for counting, dates, and ages. Ordinal numbers indicate order (first, second, third) and are used for sequences, floors, and rankings. In Spanish, ordinals are only commonly used up to 10th; beyond that, cardinals are used (el capítulo once). Ordinals must agree in gender and number with the noun.

How do you say 'twenty-one' in Spanish?

'Twenty-one' is 'veintiuno'. When used before a masculine noun, it becomes 'veintiún' (veintiún años). Before a feminine noun, it becomes 'veintiuna' (veintiuna casas). Note that it is written as one word, not 'veinte y uno'.

Numerals (cardinal, ordinal, agreement, time and date)

EDEXCEL

A-Level

The study of Spanish numerals, including cardinal and ordinal numbers (1-10), their agreement with nouns, and the expression of time and date.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Numerals in Spanish are essential for expressing quantities, ordering items, telling time, and giving dates. This topic covers cardinal numbers (uno, dos, tres...), ordinal numbers (primero, segundo, tercero...), their agreement with nouns, and their use in time and date contexts. Mastering numerals is crucial for everyday communication, academic writing, and exam success in Edexcel A-Level Spanish.

In the A-Level curriculum, numerals appear across all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You'll need to use them accurately in contexts like describing statistics, giving opinions about age, discussing historical dates, and planning events. Understanding the nuances—such as the apocopation of 'primero' and 'tercero' before masculine singular nouns, or the use of 'uno' becoming 'un'—can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.

Numerals also link to broader grammatical concepts like noun-adjective agreement and the use of 'ser' vs 'estar' for time and date. A solid grasp of numerals will help you avoid common pitfalls in exams and enhance your overall Spanish proficiency.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Cardinal numbers: 1-30 are irregular; from 31 onwards, use 'y' (e.g., treinta y uno). 'Uno' becomes 'un' before masculine nouns (un libro) and 'una' before feminine nouns (una casa).
→Ordinal numbers: Only used up to 10th (décimo) in common speech; beyond that, cardinal numbers are used. 'Primero' and 'tercero' drop the -o before masculine singular nouns (primer día, tercer año).
→Agreement: Ordinal numbers agree in gender and number with the noun (primera clase, segundos pisos). Cardinal numbers are invariable except for 'uno' and compounds like 'veintiuno' (which become 'veintiún' before masculine nouns).
→Time: Use 'ser' for telling time (Es la una, Son las dos). For minutes past the hour, use 'y' (Son las tres y diez); for minutes to the hour, use 'menos' (Son las cuatro menos veinte).
→Date: Use cardinal numbers for the day (Hoy es el tres de mayo), except for the first of the month which uses 'primero' (el primero de enero). The year is read as a full number (mil novecientos noventa y nueve).

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Correct use of cardinal numbers
Correct use of ordinal numbers 1-10
Correct agreement of numerals with nouns (e.g., gender/number)
Accurate expression of time
Accurate expression of dates

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Correct use of cardinal numbers
Correct use of ordinal numbers 1-10
Correct agreement of numerals with nouns (e.g., gender/number)
Accurate expression of time
Accurate expression of dates

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure numerals are used accurately in both spoken and written tasks
💡Pay attention to gender agreement when using numbers with nouns
💡Practice the specific format for dates and times in Spanish
💡In listening and reading exams, pay close attention to numbers in contexts like prices, dates, and times. They often contain distractors (e.g., 'trece' vs 'treinta'). Practice distinguishing similar-sounding numbers like 'dieciséis' and 'diecisiete'.
💡When writing, always check agreement for ordinal numbers and the apocopation of 'primero' and 'tercero'. For dates, remember that the day comes before the month (el 5 de julio) and use cardinal numbers except for the first.
💡For speaking, practice saying numbers quickly and clearly. Use numbers in your answers to add precision (e.g., 'Tengo dieciocho años' instead of 'Soy joven'). This demonstrates range and accuracy.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Incorrect gender agreement when numerals are used with nouns
Confusing cardinal and ordinal forms
Errors in time and date formatting
Mistake: Using ordinal numbers for dates beyond the first. Correction: In Spanish, dates use cardinal numbers (el dos de abril), not ordinals (except for el primero).
Mistake: Forgetting apocopation of 'primero' and 'tercero' before masculine nouns. Correction: Always use 'primer' and 'tercer' before masculine singular nouns (primer examen, tercer capítulo).
Mistake: Confusing 'uno' and 'un'. Correction: 'Uno' is used when counting or as a pronoun (Tengo uno); 'un' is used before masculine nouns (un libro). Similarly, 'veintiuno' becomes 'veintiún' before masculine nouns (veintiún años).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic noun-adjective agreement in gender and number.
•The present tense of 'ser' and 'estar' (for time and date).
•Familiarity with common vocabulary for days, months, and time expressions.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Transactional exchanges and commerce - calculating costs, applying discounts, and managing currency conversions using cardinal numbers.
Chronological sequencing and historical context - utilizing ordinal numbers and specific date formats to narrate events or describe hierarchies.
Temporal and logistical planning - expressing precise time, durations, and schedules using the 12 and 24-hour clocks.

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Numerals (cardinal, ordinal, agreement, time and date)

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Spanish

Adjectives (agreement, position, comparative, demonstrative, possessive, etc.)

Adverbs (formation, comparative, use as adjectives)

Articles (definite, indefinite, lo + adjective)

Commands

Topic Synopsis

Key Concepts & Core Principles

Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

Examiner Marking Points

Numerals (cardinal, ordinal, agreement, time and date)

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say 'first' in Spanish?

When do you use 'un' vs 'uno' in Spanish?

How do you tell time in Spanish?

How do you write dates in Spanish?

What is the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers in Spanish?

How do you say 'twenty-one' in Spanish?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Spanish

Adjectives (agreement, position, comparative, demonstrative, possessive, etc.)

Adverbs (formation, comparative, use as adjectives)

Articles (definite, indefinite, lo + adjective)

Commands