How to Say "3rd" in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

For effective communication in Spanish, mastering the ability to express ordinal numbers is crucial. Among them, "3rd" holds a unique position. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this linguistic challenge.

Understanding the Concept

In Spanish, ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of something in a sequence. "3rd" corresponds to the Spanish word "tercero" (pronounced: tehr-seh-ro). It is typically used in ordinal phrases, such as "the third day" or "the third time."

Spanish Ordinal	English Translation
Primero	First
Segundo	Second
Tercero	Third
Cuarto	Fourth
Quinto	Fifth

How to Use "Tercero"

When using "tercero" in Spanish, there are some grammatical rules to keep in mind:

1. Gender and Agreement:

"Tercero" agrees with the noun it refers to in gender and number. For example:

Masculine singular: El tercer día (the third day)

Feminine singular: La tercera vez (the third time)

Masculine plural: Los terceros lugares (the third places)

Feminine plural: Las terceras oportunidades (the third opportunities)

2. Placement:

"Tercero" usually follows the noun it refers to, as seen in the examples above. However, in certain cases, it can also precede the noun for emphasis.

3. Abbreviation:

The abbreviation for "tercero" is "3º" (written with a superscript "o").

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mispronunciation: Ensure you pronounce "tercero" correctly (tehr-seh-ro), avoiding common mispronunciations like "ter-seh-ro" or "ter-seh-roh."

Incorrect Agreement: Pay attention to the gender and number of the noun you are referring to when using "tercero."

Confusion with "Tercer" (Adjective): Remember that "tercer" is also an adjective that means "third." Use it correctly when describing something, such as "tercer piso" (third floor).

How to Say "3rd" in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide