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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

el párrafo

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces el párrafo en 30 secondes

Explication el párrafo in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'el párrafo' is introduced as a basic vocabulary word related to reading and school. Students learn that a 'párrafo' is a group of sentences. You will use it to follow instructions like 'Mira el párrafo uno.' The focus is on recognizing the word as a cognate of 'paragraph' and knowing it is masculine (el párrafo). You might use it when talking about your Spanish homework or reading simple texts. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex structures; just knowing that 'un párrafo' is a block of text is enough. You should practice saying it with the correct accent on the 'á'—PAH-rrah-fo. It is a very useful word because even in simple textbooks, the exercises will refer to 'el párrafo' or 'los párrafos' of a story. You will also learn that a 'párrafo' usually ends with a period, which in Spanish we call 'punto.' Specifically, the period at the end of a paragraph is called 'punto y aparte.' This level focuses on the physical identification of paragraphs in a text. You might be asked to count how many paragraphs are in a short letter or email. It's also a good time to learn the plural form, 'los párrafos,' and to practice using it with basic colors or adjectives, like 'el párrafo azul' if a text is highlighted. Overall, for an A1 learner, 'el párrafo' is a foundational term for navigating any written material in Spanish.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'el párrafo' more actively to describe your own writing and to understand more detailed instructions. You should be able to identify the 'primer párrafo' (first paragraph), 'segundo párrafo' (second paragraph), and 'último párrafo' (last paragraph). You will learn that a good paragraph in Spanish should have a main idea. In your writing assignments, you might be told to 'escribir un párrafo sobre tu familia' or 'un párrafo sobre tus vacaciones.' This level introduces the idea of organization. You will start using transition words like 'primero,' 'luego,' and 'finalmente' within your 'párrafos.' You will also encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as short news articles or descriptions in travel brochures. Understanding 'el párrafo' helps you break down longer texts into manageable pieces. You should also be aware of the spelling, especially the double 'rr' and the accent mark. If you are reading a story, you might be asked, '¿Qué pasa en el segundo párrafo?' requiring you to locate and summarize information. This level also introduces the concept of 'párrafo aparte,' used when you want to signal a significant change in topic. You might also start using verbs like 'empezar' (to start) or 'terminar' (to finish) with 'párrafo.' For example, 'El párrafo termina con una pregunta.' This level builds the bridge between seeing a paragraph as just a block and seeing it as a structured unit of meaning.

At the B1 level, 'el párrafo' becomes a tool for analyzing and constructing more complex texts. You will learn about different types of paragraphs, such as 'párrafos de introducción,' 'párrafos de desarrollo,' and 'párrafos de conclusión.' You will be expected to write essays where each 'párrafo' is logically connected to the next. The focus shifts to 'coherencia' (coherence) and 'cohesión' (cohesion). You will use 'conectores' (connectors) to link your paragraphs, such as 'sin embargo,' 'por lo tanto,' and 'además.' In your reading, you will analyze how an author uses a 'párrafo' to build an argument or create a specific atmosphere. You might discuss the 'tesis' (thesis) of a paragraph or its 'idea principal.' You will also encounter 'el párrafo' in professional contexts, such as formal emails or reports. You might hear someone say, 'He redactado un párrafo adicional para aclarar el punto.' This level also involves understanding more nuanced uses of the word, such as 'párrafo aparte' used as a rhetorical device to emphasize that a new and important point is being made. You will be expected to follow more complex instructions, like 'Resume el contenido de los dos primeros párrafos en tus propias palabras.' At B1, you are not just identifying paragraphs; you are manipulating them to improve the quality of your communication. You will also learn to avoid 'párrafos' that are too long or too repetitive, focusing on 'estilo' (style) and 'claridad' (clarity).

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At the B2 level, your understanding of 'el párrafo' reaches a professional and academic standard. You will study the rhetorical structure of paragraphs in depth. You'll learn how to use 'párrafos de transición' to move smoothly between complex ideas. You will be able to critique the structure of a text, noting if a 'párrafo' is redundant or if it lacks sufficient evidence. In academic writing, you will use 'el párrafo' to organize citations and data. You will also become familiar with the use of 'párrafos' in legal and administrative Spanish, where precision is paramount. You might analyze literary excerpts to see how authors like Gabriel García Márquez or Isabel Allende use the 'párrafo' to control the pace of their storytelling. You will understand that a 'párrafo' can be a stylistic choice—sometimes a very short paragraph is used for dramatic effect. You will also practice 'parafrasear' (paraphrasing) entire paragraphs, which requires a deep understanding of the original text's meaning and structure. In discussions, you might say, 'Ese párrafo es clave para entender la postura del autor.' You will also be comfortable using 'párrafo' in its plural form to discuss the overall structure of a long document. This level requires you to be sensitive to the 'ritmo' (rhythm) of a text, which is largely determined by how the 'párrafos' are constructed. You will also learn about the 'sangría' (indentation) rules in different Spanish-speaking regions and formal style guides like APA or MLA as they apply to Spanish.

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At the C1 level, 'el párrafo' is treated as a sophisticated unit of discourse. You will explore how paragraphing varies across different genres—journalism, academic research, legal statutes, and creative prose. You will study how 'micro-párrafos' are used in modern digital journalism to cater to mobile readers, versus the long, complex 'párrafos' found in 19th-century Spanish literature. You will be able to produce highly structured texts where each 'párrafo' serves a specific strategic purpose, such as 'párrafos de contraargumentación' or 'párrafos de síntesis.' Your vocabulary will expand to include terms like 'unidad temática' and 'progresión temática' within a paragraph. You will analyze the use of 'el párrafo' in classical Spanish texts, noticing how punctuation and structure have evolved over centuries. You will also be able to discuss the nuances of 'párrafo aparte' as an idiomatic expression in various Spanish-speaking countries, where it can mean 'that's a whole other story' or 'moving on to something completely different.' In professional editing, you might be tasked with 'reestructurar los párrafos' to improve the logical flow of a manuscript. You will also understand the legal implications of a 'párrafo' in a contract, where the placement of a single comma can change the entire meaning. At this level, you are a master of the 'párrafo,' using it not just to organize text, but to influence the reader's perception and emotional response.

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At the C2 level, 'el párrafo' is viewed through the lens of linguistics and advanced stylistics. You will analyze the 'arquitectura del párrafo' in the works of master stylists, exploring how they manipulate the length and complexity of paragraphs to achieve specific aesthetic goals. You will be able to discuss the history of the 'párrafo' from medieval manuscripts to the digital age, including the evolution of the pilcrow symbol (¶). You will understand the subtle differences in paragraphing conventions between Peninsular Spanish and various Latin American standards. You will be able to write and translate texts where the 'párrafo' structure must be preserved or adapted to maintain the original's rhetorical force. You can engage in high-level debates about the 'muerte del párrafo' in the age of social media and short-form content. Your command of the language allows you to use 'el párrafo' as a tool for irony, emphasis, or complex layering of meaning. You might analyze how a single, page-long 'párrafo' in a modernist novel creates a sense of stream-of-consciousness. In legal or diplomatic contexts, you will be able to draft 'párrafos' that are intentionally ambiguous or legally airtight. You are also aware of the 'estética del párrafo'—how the visual appearance of blocks of text on a page affects the reader's experience. At C2, 'el párrafo' is no longer just a grammatical or structural unit; it is an element of art and a vehicle for the highest forms of human expression in the Spanish language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

el párrafo en 30 secondes

A 'párrafo' is a block of text in Spanish, equivalent to the English 'paragraph', used to organize ideas in writing.
It is a masculine noun ('el párrafo') and always requires a written accent on the first 'a' because it is an esdrújula word.
Structurally, it begins with a capital letter and ends with a 'punto y aparte', often featuring an initial indentation (sangría).
Learners should distinguish it from 'estrofa' (used in poetry) and ensure they don't confuse it with similar-sounding words like 'paraguas'.

The Spanish word párrafo is a fundamental noun in the realm of writing, literature, and general communication. At its most basic level, it refers to a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme or idea, and it is visually separated from other sections by a new line, indentation, or a larger space. For an English speaker, the transition to using this word is quite natural because it is a direct cognate of the English word 'paragraph.' Both words share the same Greek root, which refers to something written 'beside' or 'alongside' the main text. In modern Spanish, the párrafo is the building block of any coherent text, whether it is a simple email to a friend, a complex legal document, or a beautiful work of fiction.

Structural Role: The paragraph serves as a cognitive break for the reader, signaling that a new sub-topic is beginning or that a specific point has been concluded. In Spanish writing, the transition between paragraphs is often marked by 'conectores' or transition words that help the flow of the narrative.

El primer párrafo de la novela es fascinante y captura la atención del lector de inmediato.

Beyond the physical structure, the term is used in academic and professional settings to discuss the organization of ideas. Teachers in Spanish-speaking countries will often tell their students, 'Debes organizar tus ideas en párrafos claros,' emphasizing that a wall of text is difficult to digest. You will also encounter this word in legal contexts, where specific sections of laws or contracts are referred to as paragraphs. For example, a lawyer might say, 'Como se menciona en el párrafo segundo del artículo diez...' referring to a specific clause. Understanding the word 'párrafo' also involves understanding the punctuation associated with it, specifically the 'punto y aparte,' which is the full stop that ends a paragraph and signals the start of a new one.

Por favor, lee el tercer párrafo en voz alta para que todos podamos escucharlo.

Etymological Connection: Derived from the Greek 'paragraphos,' where 'para' means 'beside' and 'graphos' means 'written.' In ancient manuscripts, a mark was placed in the margin to indicate a change in topic, which evolved into the modern indentation and line break system we use today.

Este párrafo contiene la tesis principal de todo el ensayo académico.

He tenido que reescribir ese párrafo varias veces porque no era lo suficientemente claro.

Common Collocations: 'Párrafo aparte' is a common phrase used when someone wants to mention a separate point or give special emphasis to something, often used figuratively in speech to say 'that's a separate issue.'

No olvides dejar un espacio entre cada párrafo para que el texto sea legible.

In summary, 'el párrafo' is not just a technical term for writers; it is an essential concept for anyone learning Spanish to navigate reading materials and to structure their own written communication effectively. Whether you are analyzing a poem or reading a news article, the 'párrafo' is the container for the ideas you are processing.

Using el párrafo correctly in sentences involves understanding its grammatical gender and its role as a countable noun. Since it is a masculine noun ending in 'o', it follows standard Spanish agreement rules. You will frequently use it with ordinal numbers (primero, segundo, tercer) to identify specific parts of a text. For example, if you are in a Spanish class, your teacher might say, 'Abran su libro en la página cincuenta y lean el segundo párrafo.' Notice how 'segundo' agrees with 'párrafo.'

Identifying Positions: When referring to the 'third paragraph,' remember that 'tercero' drops the 'o' before a masculine singular noun, becoming 'el tercer párrafo.'

El párrafo introductorio debe presentar el tema principal de manera concisa.

When writing, you might describe the quality or length of a paragraph. You can say 'un párrafo largo' (a long paragraph) or 'un párrafo corto' (a short paragraph). If a paragraph is confusing, you might say 'un párrafo confuso' or 'un párrafo mal redactado.' In academic writing, you will often need to cite specific paragraphs, using the phrase 'en el párrafo...' followed by the number.

Cada párrafo de tu carta debe tener una idea central clara y bien desarrollada.

Verbs Commonly Used: Common verbs associated with 'párrafo' include: escribir (to write), leer (to read), analizar (to analyze), borrar (to delete), and corregir (to correct).

He decidido borrar el último párrafo porque no añade nada nuevo al argumento.

¿Puedes resumir el contenido de este párrafo en una sola frase?

Plural Usage: The plural is 'los párrafos.' For example: 'Los párrafos de este artículo son demasiado largos para un blog.'

Asegúrate de que haya una transición fluida entre los párrafos de tu ensayo.

In professional settings, you might hear 'párrafo de apertura' (opening paragraph) or 'párrafo de cierre' (closing paragraph). If someone asks you to 'saltar un párrafo' (skip a paragraph), they want you to move to the next section without reading the current one. This is common during group reading sessions or when reviewing a draft. Mastery of this word allows you to give and receive precise instructions regarding text structure, which is vital for any student or professional working in a Spanish-speaking environment.

You will hear el párrafo in a variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday academic. In schools and universities throughout the Spanish-speaking world, this word is a constant. Teachers use it to guide students through readings: 'Fíjense en el párrafo central de la página.' In literature circles or book clubs, participants discuss specific paragraphs that they found particularly moving or well-written.

Academic Settings: In a Spanish 'clase de lengua,' the paragraph is the unit of study for coherence and cohesion. You'll hear about 'párrafos de desarrollo' where ideas are expanded.

El profesor nos pidió que analizáramos la estructura del tercer párrafo.

In the workplace, especially in offices where writing reports or legal documents is common, 'el párrafo' is used to pinpoint specific information. A manager might say, 'Ese párrafo sobre el presupuesto necesita más detalle.' In legal and administrative contexts, the word is indispensable. Spanish law, like many civil law systems, is organized into articles, and within those articles, you often find 'párrafos' or 'apartados.' A notary or a government official might direct you to 'el párrafo final de la segunda página' to sign or initial.

En el párrafo anterior, se explica claramente la causa del problema.

Media and News: News anchors or radio hosts might say, 'Citando un párrafo del comunicado oficial...' to introduce a direct quote from a government statement.

He subrayado los párrafos más importantes del contrato antes de firmarlo.

El estilo de este párrafo es demasiado informal para un informe técnico.

Daily Life: Even in casual conversation, if someone is reading a letter or a message aloud, they might say, 'Espera, déjame leerte este párrafo, es muy gracioso.'

No entiendo qué quiere decir el autor en este párrafo en particular.

In summary, 'el párrafo' is a word you will encounter whenever text is being created, analyzed, or cited. It is a universal term for text organization across all Spanish-speaking cultures, making it a high-frequency and high-utility word for any learner.

While el párrafo is a cognate and generally easy for English speakers to learn, there are several common pitfalls to avoid. The most frequent mistake is related to spelling, specifically the accent mark. Many learners forget the 'tilde' on the first 'a.' In Spanish, 'párrafo' is an 'esdrújula' word (stressed on the third-to-last syllable), and all esdrújula words must have a written accent mark. Writing 'parrafo' without the accent is a common orthographic error that can make a text look unprofessional.

Orthography: Always include the accent on the 'á'. The 'rr' is also crucial; using a single 'r' (párafo) is incorrect and changes the pronunciation significantly.

Es un error común escribir párrafo sin el acento en la primera 'a'.

Another mistake is confusing 'párrafo' with other words that sound slightly similar but have completely different meanings. For instance, 'paraguas' (umbrella) or 'pájaro' (bird) might be confused by absolute beginners due to the 'pa-' start and the three-syllable structure, though this is rare beyond the A1 level. More common is the confusion with 'apartado.' While an 'apartado' can be a paragraph, it more often refers to a numbered section or a P.O. Box (apartado de correos).

Asegúrate de no confundir un párrafo con una oración; un párrafo suele contener varias oraciones.

Grammatical Gender: Some learners mistakenly treat it as feminine because 'palabra' (word) is feminine. Remember: 'el párrafo', not 'la párrafo'.

Este párrafo es un buen ejemplo de cómo usar correctamente los adjetivos masculinos.

El autor olvidó poner un punto y aparte al final del párrafo.

Semantic Precision: Using 'párrafo' when you mean 'verso' (a line of poetry) or 'estrofa' (a stanza) is technically imprecise in literary analysis, though understandable in casual talk.

No es lo mismo un párrafo en prosa que una estrofa en un poema.

Finally, a stylistic mistake common among English speakers is the 'wall of text'—writing paragraphs that are far too long. While Spanish prose can sometimes handle longer sentences, the 'párrafo' should still remain a manageable unit of thought. Conversely, writing 'párrafos' consisting of only one sentence is often discouraged in formal Spanish writing unless used for a very specific rhetorical effect. By paying attention to these orthographic, grammatical, and stylistic nuances, you will use 'párrafo' like a native speaker.

While párrafo is the standard term, several other words can be used depending on the context and the specific type of text you are discussing. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and help you be more precise in your descriptions.

Apartado: This refers to a section or a subdivision of a text. While a 'párrafo' is a physical block of text, an 'apartado' is often a conceptually distinct section, sometimes numbered or with its own subheading.

En este párrafo, que forma parte del primer apartado, se discuten los resultados.

Sección: 'Sección' is a broader term than 'párrafo.' A section might contain several paragraphs. It is used in newspapers, books, and reports to categorize content.

Cada sección del libro comienza con un párrafo de resumen.

Lee este fragmento y dime cuál es el párrafo más importante.

Pasaje: Commonly used for literature or religious texts, a 'pasaje' (passage) refers to a specific portion of a text, which could be a single paragraph or several.

Este párrafo es el pasaje más citado de toda la obra de Cervantes.

El segundo ítem de la lista se desarrolla en el siguiente párrafo.

Estrofa: Specifically for poetry and songs, 'estrofa' (stanza) is the equivalent of a paragraph. Using 'párrafo' for a poem is a common learner error.

En lugar de un párrafo, un poema se organiza en estrofas y versos.

In legal contexts, you might also encounter 'inciso' (sub-clause) or 'cláusula' (clause). While these aren't synonyms for 'párrafo', they often occupy the same structural space. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most appropriate word for the type of text you are reading or writing, demonstrating a higher level of Spanish proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In medieval times, the symbol for a paragraph was the pilcrow (¶), which is actually a stylized 'C' for 'capitulum' (chapter).

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈpær.ə.ɡrɑːf/ (English equivalent)

US /ˈpærəɡræf/ (English equivalent)

The stress is on the antepenultimate syllable (pár-), making it an 'esdrújula' word.

Rime avec

grafo bolígrafo telégrafo geógrafo fotógrafo autógrafo epígrafe (near rhyme) cenotafio (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'pa-RA-fo' (stressing the middle syllable).
Failing to trill the 'rr'.
Pronouncing the 'f' as a 'p' (rare).
Forgetting the accent mark in writing, which indicates the stress.
Making the 'o' sound like 'ow' (Spanish 'o' is short and clipped).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize for English speakers as it is a clear cognate.

Écriture 2/5

Requires remembering the written accent mark and the double 'rr'.

Expression orale 2/5

Requires correct trilling of the 'rr' and proper stress placement.

Écoute 1/5

Easy to understand in context due to its similarity to English.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

palabra frase punto leer escribir

Apprends ensuite

ensayo artículo sangría conector coherencia

Avancé

parataxis hipérbaton discurso retórica estilística

Grammaire à connaître

Palabras esdrújulas

Párrafo siempre lleva tilde porque el acento recae en la antepenúltima sílaba.

Double RR pronunciation

In 'párrafo', the 'rr' must be a strong alveolar trill.

Ordinal number placement

Usually 'el primer párrafo' (before) but 'el párrafo cuarto' (after in formal docs).

Gender Agreement

El párrafo es largO (masculine).

Apocopation of 'tercero'

It becomes 'tercer' before 'párrafo' (el tercer párrafo).

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Exemples par niveau

Lee el primer párrafo.

Read the first paragraph.

Uses the imperative 'lee' and the ordinal 'primer'.

El párrafo es corto.

The paragraph is short.

Basic subject-adjective agreement (masculine).

Escribe un párrafo sobre ti.

Write a paragraph about yourself.

Uses the preposition 'sobre' (about).

Hay tres párrafos en la carta.

There are three paragraphs in the letter.

Plural form 'párrafos'.

¿Dónde está el párrafo?

Where is the paragraph?

Basic question structure.

Me gusta este párrafo.

I like this paragraph.

Uses 'gustar' with a masculine singular subject.

El párrafo tiene cinco frases.

The paragraph has five sentences.

Uses 'tener' to describe composition.

No entiendo el párrafo.

I don't understand the paragraph.

Negation with 'no'.

El segundo párrafo explica el problema.

The second paragraph explains the problem.

Ordinal number 'segundo'.

Debes dejar un espacio entre párrafos.

You must leave a space between paragraphs.

Preposition 'entre' used for plural nouns.

El último párrafo es la conclusión.

The last paragraph is the conclusion.

Adjective 'último' (last).

He escrito un párrafo largo hoy.

I have written a long paragraph today.

Present perfect tense 'he escrito'.

¿Puedes traducir este párrafo al inglés?

Can you translate this paragraph into English?

Verb 'traducir' with 'a' for the target language.

El párrafo empieza con una mayúscula.

The paragraph starts with a capital letter.

Verb 'empezar' followed by 'con'.

Copia el tercer párrafo en tu cuaderno.

Copy the third paragraph in your notebook.

Ordinal 'tercer' (shortened from tercero).

Este párrafo no tiene sentido.

This paragraph doesn't make sense.

Idiomatic phrase 'tener sentido'.

El párrafo de introducción es muy impactante.

The introductory paragraph is very striking.

Noun-noun construction with 'de'.

Cada párrafo debe tratar una sola idea.

Each paragraph should deal with a single idea.

Modal verb 'debe' + infinitive.

He borrado el párrafo porque era redundante.

I deleted the paragraph because it was redundant.

Causal conjunction 'porque'.

Asegúrate de que los párrafos estén conectados.

Make sure that the paragraphs are connected.

Subjunctive mood 'estén' after 'asegúrate de que'.

El autor utiliza párrafos muy descriptivos.

The author uses very descriptive paragraphs.

Plural adjective agreement.

No olvides la sangría al inicio del párrafo.

Don't forget the indent at the beginning of the paragraph.

Negative imperative 'no olvides'.

Este párrafo resume los puntos principales.

This paragraph summarizes the main points.

Verb 'resumir' in present tense.

El párrafo central contiene la tesis.

The central paragraph contains the thesis.

Adjective 'central'.

La transición entre estos dos párrafos es brusca.

The transition between these two paragraphs is abrupt.

Noun 'transición' with 'entre'.

El párrafo final refuerza el argumento principal.

The final paragraph reinforces the main argument.

Verb 'reforzar' (stem-changing o > ue).

Analizamos la coherencia interna de cada párrafo.

We analyzed the internal coherence of each paragraph.

Preterite tense 'analizamos'.

El abogado citó el párrafo cuarto de la ley.

The lawyer cited the fourth paragraph of the law.

Ordinal 'cuarto' used after the noun in formal titles.

Es un párrafo denso y difícil de digerir.

It is a dense paragraph and difficult to digest.

Adjectives 'denso' and 'difícil'.

El párrafo de cierre debe ser memorable.

The closing paragraph should be memorable.

Noun 'cierre' (closing).

Evita los párrafos que no aportan valor al texto.

Avoid paragraphs that do not add value to the text.

Relative clause 'que no aportan valor'.

El ritmo del relato depende de la longitud del párrafo.

The story's rhythm depends on the length of the paragraph.

Verb 'depender' followed by 'de'.

El autor emplea el párrafo único para crear tensión.

The author uses a single paragraph to create tension.

Adjective 'único' (single/unique).

La fragmentación del párrafo es típica de la modernidad.

Paragraph fragmentation is typical of modernity.

Noun 'fragmentación' with 'del' (de + el).

Ese párrafo es una digresión innecesaria del tema.

That paragraph is an unnecessary digression from the topic.

Noun 'digresión'.

El párrafo está redactado con una elegancia exquisita.

The paragraph is written with exquisite elegance.

Passive voice with 'está redactado'.

En el párrafo en cuestión, se alude a la mitología griega.

In the paragraph in question, Greek mythology is alluded to.

Fixed phrase 'en cuestión'.

La estructura del párrafo refleja la confusión del narrador.

The paragraph structure reflects the narrator's confusion.

Verb 'reflejar' (to reflect).

Cada párrafo es una unidad de pensamiento autónoma.

Each paragraph is an autonomous unit of thought.

Adjective 'autónoma' agreeing with 'unidad'.

El párrafo de apertura establece el tono de la obra.

The opening paragraph sets the tone of the work.

Verb 'establecer' (to establish).

La arquitectura del párrafo revela un dominio absoluto.

The paragraph's architecture reveals absolute mastery.

Metaphorical use of 'arquitectura'.

El párrafo se desintegra en una sucesión de imágenes.

The paragraph disintegrates into a succession of images.

Reflexive verb 'desintegrarse'.

Analizamos la parataxis dentro de este extenso párrafo.

We are analyzing the parataxis within this extensive paragraph.

Technical linguistic term 'parataxis'.

El párrafo funciona como un microcosmos del relato.

The paragraph functions as a microcosm of the story.

Simile with 'como'.

La elipsis al final del párrafo invita a la reflexión.

The ellipsis at the end of the paragraph invites reflection.

Noun 'elipsis'.

Un párrafo así desafía las convenciones de la época.

A paragraph like that defies the conventions of the time.

Verb 'desafiar' (to defy).

La densidad léxica del párrafo es abrumadora.

The lexical density of the paragraph is overwhelming.

Adjective 'abrumadora' (overwhelming).

Este párrafo es la piedra angular de su teoría estética.

This paragraph is the cornerstone of his aesthetic theory.

Idiomatic expression 'piedra angular'.

Collocations courantes

párrafo aparte

primer párrafo

último párrafo

párrafo introductorio

párrafo de conclusión

párrafo largo

párrafo corto

sangría de párrafo

párrafo siguiente

párrafo anterior

Phrases Courantes

En este párrafo...

— Used to introduce an explanation of what a specific part of a text says.

En este párrafo, el autor describe el paisaje.

Saltar un párrafo

— To skip a block of text while reading.

Puedes saltar el segundo párrafo si tienes prisa.

Resumir el párrafo

— To give a brief statement of the main points of a paragraph.

Tu tarea es resumir cada párrafo del capítulo.

Citar un párrafo

— To repeat or copy out a specific paragraph from a text.

Voy a citar un párrafo de su discurso.

Un párrafo bien escrito

— A paragraph that is composed correctly and clearly.

Es un párrafo bien escrito y muy convincente.

Escribir punto y párrafo

— A slightly old-fashioned way to say 'start a new paragraph.'

Termina esa idea y escribe punto y párrafo.

Dividir en párrafos

— To separate a long text into smaller blocks.

Es mejor dividir el texto en párrafos más pequeños.

El párrafo central

— The middle or most important paragraph of a text.

El párrafo central contiene el nudo de la historia.

Repetir el párrafo

— To read or write a paragraph again.

Tuve que repetir el párrafo porque no lo entendí.

Analizar el párrafo

— To examine the structure and meaning of a paragraph in detail.

Mañana vamos a analizar este párrafo en clase.

Souvent confondu avec

el párrafo vs estrofa

English speakers might use 'párrafo' for poetry, but 'estrofa' is the correct term for a stanza.

el párrafo vs oración

A paragraph is a block of text, while an 'oración' is just a single sentence.

el párrafo vs paragráfo

This is a Portuguese word or a very rare/archaic Spanish variant; use 'párrafo' instead.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Párrafo aparte"

— Used to indicate that a specific topic deserves special, separate mention or is a different matter entirely.

Su talento es increíble, pero párrafo aparte es su humildad.

neutral

"No leer ni un párrafo"

— To not have read anything at all of a text.

Dijo que estudió, pero no leyó ni un párrafo del libro.

informal

"Quedarse en el primer párrafo"

— To not progress past the very beginning of a task or book.

Intenté leer su tesis, pero me quedé en el primer párrafo.

informal

"Escribir párrafos de oro"

— To write exceptionally high-quality or beautiful prose.

Ese novelista escribe párrafos de oro.

literary

"Punto y párrafo"

— Used figuratively to say 'let's move on to a new topic' in a conversation.

Ya hablamos de eso, punto y párrafo, hablemos de otra cosa.

colloquial

"Ser un párrafo perdido"

— To be an obscure or unimportant piece of information.

Esa ley es solo un párrafo perdido en un código enorme.

neutral

"Hablar por párrafos"

— To speak in a very structured, almost rehearsed or formal way.

Cuando se pone nervioso, empieza a hablar por párrafos.

informal

"Un párrafo de antología"

— A paragraph so good it deserves to be in an anthology.

Su descripción del mar es un párrafo de antología.

literary

"Saltarse los párrafos"

— To skim a text quickly without paying full attention.

Si te saltas los párrafos, no entenderás el misterio.

neutral

"El párrafo que faltaba"

— The missing piece of information that makes everything clear.

Su confesión fue el párrafo que faltaba en esta historia.

figurative

Facile à confondre

el párrafo vs paraguas

Similar starting sound 'pa-'.

Paraguas means umbrella; párrafo means paragraph. They are completely unrelated in meaning.

Necesito mi paraguas porque llueve, pero estoy escribiendo un párrafo.

el párrafo vs pájaro

Both are three-syllable esdrújula words starting with 'pa-'.

Pájaro is a bird; párrafo is a text section. One flies, the other is read.

El pájaro vuela sobre el libro donde leo un párrafo.

el párrafo vs paráfrasis

Related to text and similar sound.

A paraphrase (paráfrasis) is an explanation of a text; a paragraph (párrafo) is a structural unit.

Hice una paráfrasis de ese párrafo tan difícil.

el párrafo vs apartado

Both refer to sections of a text.

Apartado is usually a larger, often numbered section; párrafo is the basic block of sentences.

En el apartado de deportes, lee el tercer párrafo.

el párrafo vs página

Both are units of a book.

A page (página) contains many paragraphs; a paragraph (párrafo) is just one part of a page.

Hay diez párrafos en esta página.

Structures de phrases

El párrafo es [adjetivo].

El párrafo es corto.

Lee el [número ordinal] párrafo.

Lee el segundo párrafo.

En este párrafo, el autor dice que...

En este párrafo, el autor dice que la paz es posible.

Escribe un párrafo de [cantidad] líneas.

Escribe un párrafo de cinco líneas.

Asegúrate de que el párrafo tenga [sustantivo].

Asegúrate de que el párrafo tenga coherencia.

El párrafo sirve para [verbo].

El párrafo sirve para introducir el tema.

La estructura del párrafo sugiere que...

La estructura del párrafo sugiere que el narrador está loco.

Aquel párrafo de antología nos recuerda que...

Aquel párrafo de antología nos recuerda que la vida es breve.

Famille de mots

Noms

paragrafía (a medical term)

paragrafista (rarely used for a paragraph writer)

Verbes

paragrafar (rare, to divide into paragraphs)

Adjectifs

paragráfico (related to paragraphs)

Apparenté

punto y aparte

sangría

texto

prosa

escritura

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High (essential for all written communication)

Erreurs courantes

parrafo (without accent) → párrafo
In Spanish, all esdrújula words (stressed on the third-to-last syllable) must have a written accent mark.
la párrafo → el párrafo
The word is masculine. It follows the standard 'o' ending rule for masculine nouns.
párafo (single r) → párrafo
The 'rr' is needed to produce the strong trilled sound required for this word.
El párrafo de este poema → La estrofa de este poema
Use 'estrofa' for poetry and 'párrafo' for prose (books, news, essays).
Un párrafo de una frase → Un párrafo más largo
In formal Spanish, a paragraph consisting of only one sentence is usually considered poor style.

Astuces

Don't forget the accent

Always write 'párrafo' with a tilde on the 'á'. It's one of those words where the accent is non-negotiable for correct spelling.

The Rolling R

The 'rr' in 'párrafo' is a strong rolling sound. If you struggle with it, try saying 'pot-of-tea' very fast, or just practice the trill separately.

Vary your length

In Spanish writing, varying the length of your párrafos makes the text more dynamic and interesting for the reader.

Cognate Power

Use the fact that it's a cognate to your advantage! If you forget how to say 'paragraph', just say it with a Spanish accent and you'll likely be right.

One Idea Rule

A golden rule in Spanish composition: 'un párrafo, una idea'. This ensures your writing remains coherent and easy to follow.

Scan for Párrafos

When reading a long text, scan the paragraphs first to see the structure. This helps you predict the content before you dive into the details.

Avoid 'La Párrafo'

Even though many words ending in 'a' are feminine, 'párrafo' ends in 'o' and is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un'.

Cite correctly

When referring to a paragraph in an essay, use 'en el párrafo X'. In formal citations, you might see 'párr. X'.

Sangría is key

If you are writing a formal letter in Spanish, don't forget the 5-space indent (sangría) at the start of each paragraph.

Listen for Transitions

Speakers often use a slightly longer pause to signal the end of a 'párrafo' when reading aloud. Use this to track where you are.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'PAR' of 'AF'rican 'O'strich 'RR'unning through a block of text. PÁ-RRA-FO.

Association visuelle

Visualize the pilcrow symbol (¶) sitting next to a block of Spanish text like a guard.

Word Web

Texto Oración Frase Punto y aparte Sangría Escritura Lectura Idea principal

Défi

Write three paragraphs about your favorite book, ensuring each 'párrafo' starts with a 'sangría' and ends with a 'punto y aparte'.

Origine du mot

From the Greek word 'paragraphos', which literally means 'written beside'.

Sens originel : A mark (like a line or a symbol) made in the margin of a manuscript to indicate a change in subject.

Indo-European (via Latin 'paragraphus' and Greek 'paragraphos').

Contexte culturel

There are no significant cultural sensitivities associated with this word; it is a neutral, technical term.

English speakers will find 'párrafo' easy because it is a cognate, but they must remember the Spanish preference for indentation.

The first paragraph of 'Cien años de soledad' by Gabriel García Márquez is considered one of the most famous in world literature. Don Quijote contains many lengthy paragraphs that reflect the wandering thoughts of the protagonist. Legal codes like the 'Código Civil' use numbered paragraphs for precise referencing.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

En la escuela (At school)

¿Cuántos párrafos tiene el texto?
Subraya la idea principal del párrafo.
Escribe un párrafo de diez líneas.
El profesor corrigió mi párrafo.

En el trabajo (At work)

Revisa el párrafo sobre los costos.
Añade un párrafo de agradecimiento.
El párrafo final es un poco confuso.
Copia este párrafo en el informe.

Leyendo literatura (Reading literature)

Este párrafo describe el ambiente.
Me gusta el ritmo de sus párrafos.
Es un párrafo muy poético.
El autor usa párrafos muy largos.

Contexto legal (Legal context)

Según el párrafo segundo del artículo...
Firme al final de este párrafo.
El párrafo contiene una cláusula penal.
Modificamos el párrafo de responsabilidad.

Informática (Computing)

Usa la etiqueta 'p' para el párrafo.
Cambia el estilo del párrafo.
Alinea el párrafo a la izquierda.
El párrafo no se ve bien en el móvil.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cuál es el párrafo más impactante que has leído en un libro?"

"¿Prefieres leer artículos con párrafos cortos o largos?"

"¿Te resulta difícil organizar tus ideas en párrafos cuando escribes en español?"

"¿Crees que un solo párrafo puede cambiar el sentido de toda una ley?"

"¿Recuerdas algún primer párrafo de una novela que te haya enganchado?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe un párrafo describiendo lo primero que ves al despertar por la mañana.

Redacta un párrafo sobre un viaje que te gustaría hacer en el futuro.

Analiza un párrafo de una noticia reciente y explica por qué es importante.

Escribe un párrafo de conclusión para un ensayo sobre el cambio climático.

Describe a tu mejor amigo en un solo párrafo, usando al menos cinco adjetivos.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Lleva tilde porque es una palabra esdrújula. En español, todas las palabras cuya sílaba tónica es la antepenúltima deben llevar acento ortográfico. En este caso, la fuerza de voz está en 'pá'.

Un párrafo se usa en prosa (libros, noticias, cartas), mientras que una estrofa se usa exclusivamente en poesía y canciones. No debes decir 'el primer párrafo de este poema'; lo correcto es 'la primera estrofa'.

Se dice 'sangría'. Es el espacio en blanco que se deja al principio de la primera línea de un párrafo. Es muy común en la escritura formal en español.

Es un sustantivo masculino: 'el párrafo'. Por lo tanto, los adjetivos deben ser masculinos: 'un párrafo largo', 'el primer párrafo'.

Es el signo de puntuación que se pone al final de un párrafo para indicar que el siguiente texto empezará en una línea nueva. Es fundamental para separar los párrafos correctamente.

No hay una regla fija, pero lo ideal es que tenga entre tres y seis oraciones. Un párrafo de una sola oración es raro en textos formales, y uno de veinte oraciones es demasiado largo.

Aunque existe y está en el diccionario, es mucho menos común que 'párrafo'. En la mayoría de los países hispanohablantes, 'párrafo' es la palabra estándar.

La abreviatura más común es 'párr.' o simplemente el símbolo '§' en contextos legales, aunque 'párrafo' se suele escribir completo en la mayoría de los casos.

Significa que lo que se va a decir a continuación es un tema distinto o merece una atención especial. Se usa mucho en el periodismo y en el habla culta.

Se puede decir 'párrafo de apertura', 'párrafo introductorio' o simplemente 'el primer párrafo'. Todas son correctas dependiendo del nivel de formalidad.

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