centésima in 30 Sekunden
- Centésima means 'hundredth' (1/100) and is a feminine noun in Spanish.
- It is most commonly used in sports (hundredths of a second) and mathematics (decimal places).
- It is different from 'céntimo' (money) and 'centésimo' (the 100th in a list).
- Precision is the key concept; it describes tiny differences in measurements.
The Spanish word centésima is a feminine noun that translates to "hundredth" in English. It primarily refers to one part of a whole that has been divided into one hundred equal portions. While it shares its roots with the ordinal number centésimo (meaning the 100th in a sequence), the noun centésima is specifically used when discussing fractions, decimals, and extremely precise measurements of time or distance. In everyday Spanish, you are most likely to encounter this word in the context of competitive sports, such as Formula 1 racing, Olympic swimming, or track and field events, where the difference between a gold and silver medal can be a single centésima de segundo (hundredth of a second).
- Mathematical Context
- In mathematics, it represents the second decimal place. For example, in the number 0.01, the 1 is in the position of the centésima.
Understanding this word requires a grasp of the Spanish numerical system's precision. Unlike English, which often uses "hundredth" for both the position in a line and the fraction, Spanish distinguishes between the two more sharply in common usage, although they are etymologically linked. When you are measuring something with high accuracy, centésima becomes your go-to term. It is not just about the number 100; it is about the division of the unit into a hundred tiny pieces.
El corredor batió el récord mundial por apenas una centésima de segundo.
- Precision in Science
- Scientists use this term when discussing concentrations or physical measurements where the margin of error is restricted to one hundredth of the base unit.
Beyond the literal meaning, it is important to note that centésima is almost always feminine because it implicitly refers to la parte centésima (the hundredth part). Even when the word "parte" is omitted, the feminine gender remains. This is a common pattern in Spanish for fractional numbers (milésima, millonésima, etc.).
La diferencia entre el primer y el segundo puesto fue de tres centésimas.
- Financial Use
- While 'céntimo' is used for currency, 'centésima' might be used in technical financial reports to describe interest rate changes or percentage points.
In conclusion, while centésima might seem like a technical term, its presence in sports and basic math makes it a vital part of an A2 learner's vocabulary. It allows you to express precision and understand the high stakes of modern timing systems. Whether you are reading a scientific paper or watching the Olympic finals, recognizing this word will help you grasp the exactitude of the measurements being discussed.
Using centésima correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its relationship with the thing it is measuring. Most frequently, it is followed by the preposition de to indicate the unit of measurement. For instance, una centésima de segundo (a hundredth of a second), una centésima de milímetro (a hundredth of a millimeter), or una centésima de gramo (a hundredth of a gram).
Para ganar la carrera, necesito mejorar mi tiempo en una centésima.
When you are talking about decimals in a mathematical context, you can use the word to identify the position of a digit. For example, if you are teaching a child how to read numbers, you might say: "El número cinco está en la posición de las centésimas." This usage reinforces the idea of the word as a category of value rather than just a specific fraction.
- Agreement and Number
- As a feminine noun, it must agree with its modifiers. 'Varias centésimas' (several hundredths), 'la última centésima' (the last hundredth). Even if the noun it modifies is masculine (like 'segundo'), 'centésima' remains feminine.
In more advanced usage, you might see centésima used without an explicit unit of measurement if the context is already established. In a swimming pool, if a coach says, "Perdió por una centésima," everyone knows they mean a hundredth of a second. This elliptical usage is very common in professional environments where specific units are standard.
La balanza es tan precisa que detecta hasta la última centésima de gramo.
When comparing values, you can use phrases like por unas pocas centésimas (by a few hundredths). This is a great way to add detail to your descriptions of competition or scientific results. It moves your Spanish from simple "he was faster" to the more sophisticated "he was faster by a hundredth of a second."
- Decimal Points
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a comma is used instead of a point for decimals (e.g., 0,01). In this case, the '01' represents the 'centésimas'.
Finally, consider the emotional weight the word can carry. In a high-stakes environment, a centésima is not just a number; it represents the margin between success and failure. Using it in your writing or speech can convey a sense of tension and extreme precision. It is a small word that carries a lot of technical and dramatic weight.
The most common place to hear centésima is during sports broadcasts. If you tune into a Spanish-language sports channel like ESPN Deportes or Fox Deportes during the Summer Olympics, you will hear the commentators shouting about centésimas de segundo constantly. This is particularly true for sports like the 100-meter dash or the 50-meter freestyle swim, where the human eye cannot distinguish the gap between competitors, but the electronic timer can.
¡Increíble! Ganó por solo una centésima de diferencia.
Another frequent environment is the classroom. Spanish-speaking students learn about décimas, centésimas, y milésimas early in their mathematical education. If you are in a school setting or helping a child with homework in a Spanish-speaking country, this word will be a staple of the curriculum. It is essential for understanding place value and the metric system.
- Scientific Labs
- In chemistry or physics labs, researchers discuss 'centésimas' when calibrating equipment or reporting the results of an experiment that requires high fidelity.
You might also encounter the word in technical manuals or engineering documents. When a part needs to be manufactured to a specific tolerance, the specifications will often be listed in centésimas de milímetro. This is crucial in industries like watchmaking or aerospace engineering where precision is non-negotiable.
La pieza debe ser ajustada con una precisión de una centésima.
- Economic News
- When talking about inflation rates or stock market fluctuations, analysts might say 'subió una centésima de punto' (it rose a hundredth of a point).
In everyday street Spanish, however, you are less likely to hear centésima. Most people will say "un poquito" or "casi nada" unless they are specifically talking about numbers. The word belongs to the realm of the specific, the technical, and the competitive. Knowing it marks you as a speaker who pays attention to detail and understands the nuances of measurement.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with centésima is confusing it with other words that sound similar or share the same root. The most common culprit is céntimo. While both words relate to the number 100, céntimo is specifically a unit of currency (like a cent), whereas centésima is a mathematical fraction. You wouldn't say "esto cuesta cincuenta centésimas"; you would say "cincuenta céntimos."
- Centésima vs. Centésimo
- 'Centésimo' is the ordinal adjective (the 100th). 'Centésima' is the noun (the 1/100th part). While they are often interchangeable in some contexts, 'centésima' is the standard for fractions and time.
Another error involves gender agreement. Because the word refers to an abstract concept of a "part," it is always feminine. Learners often try to make it masculine if they are talking about a masculine object, like a segundo (second). They might mistakenly say "un centésimo de segundo." While not strictly incomprehensible, the feminine centésima is the preferred and much more common form for this specific usage.
Incorrecto: El reloj marca el centésimo de segundo. Correcto: La centésima de segundo.
Learners also confuse centésima with centenar or centena. A centena is a group of one hundred items (a hundred), while a centésima is one divided by one hundred. Using one when you mean the other will lead to significant mathematical confusion. If you say you have a "centésima de libros," you are saying you have one-hundredth of a book, not a hundred books!
- Spelling Errors
- Don't forget the written accent on the 'e'. Without it, the pronunciation and the grammatical validity of the word change. It is 'cen-TÉ-si-ma'.
Finally, be careful with decimal notation. If you are translating from English, you might be used to the "hundredths place" being after a decimal point. In Spanish, remember that in many regions, that place follows a decimal comma. Misunderstanding the notation can lead to misusing the word in practical applications like writing checks or scientific data.
If you find centésima too technical or difficult to remember, there are several alternatives depending on the context. However, keep in mind that centésima is the most precise term for 1/100. A common alternative is the phrase una centésima parte (a hundredth part), which makes the fractional nature of the word even more explicit.
- Centésima vs. Porcentaje
- While 'una centésima' is 0.01, 'un por ciento' is also 1/100. In general conversation, people use 'por ciento' (percent) much more often than 'centésima'.
Another set of related words includes décima (1/10) and milésima (1/1000). These words follow the same grammatical rules as centésima and are often used together in measurements. If you are talking about something very small but not quite a hundredth, you might use milésima for even greater precision.
No es una centésima, es una milésima; la precisión es clave aquí.
In a non-technical setting, you might hear people use un ápice or una pizca to describe a very small amount. While these aren't mathematical synonyms, they serve the same purpose of indicating a tiny margin in casual conversation. However, you could never use these in a sports race or a math problem.
- Céntimo and Centavo
- In currency, 'céntimo' (Spain and some LatAm) or 'centavo' (most of LatAm) are the equivalents of 'cent'. They represent a hundredth of the currency unit.
For ordinal positions (the 100th person in line), you must use centésimo (masculine) or centésima (feminine) as an adjective. For example: "Ella es la centésima persona en entrar." Here, it is an adjective modifying 'persona', not a noun representing a fraction. This dual role of the word is one of the most interesting aspects of Spanish numerical grammar.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Hay una centésima parte de agua.
There is a hundredth part of water.
A1 students should focus on 'centésima' as a small part of a whole.
La centésima es un número pequeño.
The hundredth is a small number.
Note the feminine article 'la' with 'centésima'.
Cien partes hacen un todo; una es la centésima.
One hundred parts make a whole; one is the hundredth.
Simple definition of the concept.
Ella tiene una centésima de probabilidad.
She has a hundredth of a chance.
Using 'centésima' to express low probability.
Divide el papel en una centésima.
Divide the paper into a hundredth.
Imperative use with the noun.
Una centésima es menos que una décima.
A hundredth is less than a tenth.
Comparing fractions.
El reloj muestra la centésima.
The clock shows the hundredth.
Common context: time.
Busca la centésima parte del tesoro.
Look for the hundredth part of the treasure.
Using 'centésima parte' as a set phrase.
Ganó la medalla de oro por una centésima de segundo.
He won the gold medal by a hundredth of a second.
The most common A2 usage in sports.
En matemáticas, aprendemos las centésimas hoy.
In math, we are learning about hundredths today.
Plural noun usage in education.
La diferencia de tiempo fue solo una centésima.
The time difference was only one hundredth.
Elliptical usage where 'de segundo' is implied.
Necesito una centésima de gramo más de sal.
I need one hundredth of a gram more of salt.
Precision in cooking or chemistry.
El coche es más rápido por cinco centésimas.
The car is faster by five hundredths.
Plural agreement with the number five.
Escribe el número hasta la centésima.
Write the number to the hundredth (place).
Referring to decimal places.
Perdió su récord por un par de centésimas.
He lost his record by a couple of hundredths.
Using 'un par de' with the plural.
La máquina mide cada centésima de milímetro.
The machine measures every hundredth of a millimeter.
Technical precision.
La inflación subió una centésima este mes.
Inflation rose a hundredth this month.
Abstract usage in economics.
No le falta ni una centésima de paciencia.
He doesn't lack even a hundredth of patience.
Figurative use for extreme emphasis.
El científico ajustó el microscopio una centésima.
The scientist adjusted the microscope a hundredth.
Implied unit of measurement in science.
Las centésimas son fundamentales en el cálculo de intereses.
Hundredths are fundamental in the calculation of interest.
Noun used as a subject.
Cualquier error de una centésima puede ser fatal.
Any error of a hundredth can be fatal.
Expressing high stakes and precision.
El precio varió apenas unas centésimas de euro.
The price varied just a few hundredths of a euro.
Distinguishing from 'céntimos' by focusing on the fraction.
Siempre se queda a una centésima del éxito.
He always stays a hundredth away from success.
Idiomatic-style usage for being 'so close'.
Calcula el resultado con dos decimales, es decir, hasta la centésima.
Calculate the result to two decimals, that is, to the hundredth.
Defining the decimal place.
La precisión del cronómetro llega hasta la milésima, no solo la centésima.
The stopwatch's precision reaches the thousandth, not just the hundredth.
Comparing different fractional units.
El margen de error permitido es de una centésima de unidad.
The permitted margin of error is one hundredth of a unit.
Formal technical specification.
En este laboratorio, pesamos las muestras con una centésima de precisión.
In this lab, we weigh the samples with a hundredth of precision.
Using 'centésima' as a qualifier for precision.
La bolsa de valores fluctuó unas centésimas durante la mañana.
The stock market fluctuated a few hundredths during the morning.
Financial context.
Para este experimento, una centésima de grado Celsius es relevante.
For this experiment, a hundredth of a degree Celsius is relevant.
Scientific relevance of small units.
No cedas ni una centésima de terreno ante la competencia.
Do not yield even a hundredth of ground to the competition.
Metaphorical use of physical measurement.
El ajuste de la lente requiere una centésima de giro.
The lens adjustment requires a hundredth of a turn.
Mechanical precision.
La ley exige que los cálculos se redondeen a la centésima más cercana.
The law requires that calculations be rounded to the nearest hundredth.
Legal/Regulatory context.
El autor disecciona el alma humana hasta la última centésima de sentimiento.
The author dissects the human soul to the last hundredth of feeling.
Poetic/Literary use.
La orquesta tocó con una precisión tal que ni una centésima de nota estaba fuera de lugar.
The orchestra played with such precision that not even a hundredth of a note was out of place.
Hyperbolic precision in arts.
En la física cuántica, una centésima puede representar un universo de diferencia.
In quantum physics, a hundredth can represent a universe of difference.
Advanced scientific context.
Su discurso no varió ni una centésima respecto al borrador original.
His speech did not vary even a hundredth from the original draft.
Describing exact adherence to a plan.
La arquitectura del edificio aprovecha cada centésima de espacio disponible.
The building's architecture takes advantage of every hundredth of available space.
Spatial precision.
El veredicto dependía de una centésima de duda razonable.
The verdict depended on a hundredth of reasonable doubt.
Legal metaphor.
La tela fue tejida con una densidad de hilos que no permite ni una centésima de error.
The fabric was woven with a thread density that doesn't allow even a hundredth of an error.
Industrial/Artisanal precision.
Analizó la pintura, centésima a centésima, buscando la firma oculta.
He analyzed the painting, hundredth by hundredth, looking for the hidden signature.
Reduplicative phrase for systematic search.
La dialéctica del filósofo se pierde en centésimas de matices semánticos.
The philosopher's dialectic gets lost in hundredths of semantic nuances.
Highly abstract academic usage.
La sincronía del sistema binario se mide en centésimas de nanosegundos.
The synchrony of the binary system is measured in hundredths of nanoseconds.
Technical computing context.
No existe en su retórica ni una centésima de honestidad intelectual.
There is not even a hundredth of intellectual honesty in his rhetoric.
Strong critical metaphor.
El cartógrafo delineó la costa con una exactitud que respetaba cada centésima de grado.
The cartographer outlined the coast with an accuracy that respected every hundredth of a degree.
Geographical/Historical precision.
La composición química reveló una centésima de impureza en el diamante.
The chemical composition revealed a hundredth of impurity in the diamond.
Scientific analysis.
El historiador rastreó la genealogía, sin ignorar ni una centésima de evidencia.
The historian traced the genealogy, without ignoring even a hundredth of evidence.
Metaphor for thoroughness.
La oscilación del péndulo variaba por una centésima debido a la gravedad local.
The pendulum's oscillation varied by a hundredth due to local gravity.
Physics context.
En la vastedad del cosmos, nuestra existencia es apenas una centésima de suspiro.
In the vastness of the cosmos, our existence is barely a hundredth of a sigh.
Philosophical/Existential metaphor.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
por una centésima
en la centésima
ni una centésima de...
aproximar a la centésima
centésima a centésima
centésimas de diferencia
la centésima de la unidad
perder por centésimas
precisión de centésima
una centésima menos
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"no faltar ni una centésima"
To be absolutely complete or perfect.
A la fiesta no le faltó ni una centésima de detalle.
Informal/Hyperbolic"jugarse la vida en una centésima"
To risk everything in a split second.
Los pilotos se juegan la vida en una centésima.
Dramatic/Sports"valer una centésima"
To be worth very little (rare).
Ese viejo trasto no vale ni una centésima.
Colloquial"en una centésima"
In an instant.
Todo cambió en una centésima.
Common"mirar por la centésima"
To be extremely stingy or overly focused on small details.
Es tan tacaño que mira por la centésima.
Colloquial"centésima de gloria"
A brief moment of fame.
Buscaba su centésima de gloria en la televisión.
Literary"ajustar a la centésima"
To make something fit perfectly.
Ajustó el presupuesto a la centésima.
Neutral"una centésima de luz"
A tiny glimmer of hope.
Vio una centésima de luz en el túnel.
Poetic"por una centésima de pelo"
Summary
The word 'centésima' is essential for expressing high levels of precision. Whether you are discussing the results of an Olympic sprint or a math problem involving decimals, this word allows you to quantify a 1/100 fraction. Example: 'Ganó por una centésima de segundo' (He won by a hundredth of a second).
- Centésima means 'hundredth' (1/100) and is a feminine noun in Spanish.
- It is most commonly used in sports (hundredths of a second) and mathematics (decimal places).
- It is different from 'céntimo' (money) and 'centésimo' (the 100th in a list).
- Precision is the key concept; it describes tiny differences in measurements.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr numbers Wörter
absoluto
A2Etwas, das total, vollständig und ohne Einschränkungen ist.
agrupar
A2To group, to put into groups.
altamente
A2Highly.
ampliamente
A2Das Wort 'ampliamente' bedeutet 'weitgehend' oder 'ausführlich'.
anotar
A2Etwas aufschreiben oder notieren, um es nicht zu vergessen. 'Er hat meine Nummer notiert.'
anual
A2'Anual' bedeutet auf Deutsch 'jährlich'. Es wird verwendet, um Ereignisse zu beschreiben, die einmal im Jahr stattfinden, wie ein Jahresbericht (informe anual) oder eine jährliche Versammlung (reunión anual).
anualidad
A2Eine Annuität ist eine jährliche Zahlung oder Gebühr.
aproximado
B1Dies ist ein Adjektiv, das einen Wert oder eine Menge beschreibt, die der Realität nahe kommt, ohne exakt zu sein. Die ungefähre Dauer der Reise beträgt drei Stunden.
aproximar
B1To approximate.
bancario
A2Bankgeschäfte oder Banken betreffend. Zum Beispiel ein Bankkonto oder eine Bankkarte.
