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A2 noun #500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

la palabra

Top 500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces la palabra en 30 secondes

Explication la palabra in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'la palabra' is one of the first nouns you will learn. It is used in its most literal sense: a single unit of language. Beginners use it to ask for help, such as '¿Cómo se dice esta palabra?' (How do you say this word?) or 'No entiendo esa palabra' (I don't understand that word). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word, knowing it is feminine ('la palabra'), and using it to build basic vocabulary. You will see it in textbooks and hear it from teachers as they introduce new terms. It is a vital tool for survival Spanish, allowing you to point at things and ask for their names. You don't need to worry about complex idioms yet; just focus on using it to navigate your early learning process. Remember that every new 'palabra' you learn is a building block for your future fluency. Practice saying it clearly, with the stress on the second syllable: pa-LA-bra. It's a simple but powerful word that opens the door to the rest of the language.

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As you move to the A2 level, you begin to use 'la palabra' in more common daily phrases and slightly more abstract contexts. You will learn expressions like 'en otras palabras' (in other words) to help you explain things when you forget a specific term. You also start to encounter the plural 'palabras' in sentences like 'muchas palabras' or 'pocas palabras.' At this level, you might also learn 'palabra de honor' as a way to say 'I promise.' You are becoming more aware of how 'la palabra' functions within a sentence, ensuring that adjectives like 'nueva' or 'difícil' agree in gender. You might also start using it to talk about your learning progress: 'Hoy he aprendido diez palabras nuevas.' The word becomes less of a label and more of a functional tool for communication. You are also introduced to the idea that 'palabra' can mean 'the floor' in a classroom setting, though you might not use it that way yourself yet. The key at A2 is to start integrating 'la palabra' into your conversational flow.

At the B1 level, 'la palabra' takes on more idiomatic and abstract meanings. You will learn to use it with verbs like 'cumplir' (to fulfill) and 'faltar' (to fail/break). For example, 'Él siempre cumple su palabra' (He always keeps his word). You are now expected to understand the moral weight of the word in Spanish culture. You will also encounter 'la palabra' in more formal contexts, such as 'pedir la palabra' (to ask for the floor) during a meeting or discussion. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'palabrota' (swear word) and 'palabrería' (empty talk). You can now use 'la palabra' to describe people: 'Es un hombre de palabra.' This level requires a deeper understanding of the nuances—knowing when to use 'palabra' versus 'promesa' or 'término.' You are also more comfortable with the plural 'palabras' in the context of 'tener palabras con alguien' (to have an argument). The word 'palabra' is now a key part of your ability to express abstract thoughts and social commitments.

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At the B2 level, you use 'la palabra' with greater precision and in more sophisticated grammatical structures. You are familiar with a wide range of idioms, such as 'no tener palabras' (to be speechless) or 'palabra por palabra' (word for word). You can participate in debates where 'tomar la palabra' and 'ceder la palabra' are essential for managing the conversation. You understand the stylistic use of 'la palabra' in literature and media, recognizing when it is used for emphasis or rhetorical effect. At this level, you also begin to distinguish between 'palabra,' 'vocablo,' and 'término' based on the register of the conversation. You might use 'la palabra' to discuss linguistic concepts, such as 'la formación de palabras' (word formation). Your ability to use 'la palabra' in the subjunctive or in complex conditional sentences is also developing: 'Si me hubieras dado tu palabra, te habría creído.' The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool for nuanced expression and social navigation.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'la palabra' is near-native. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how they influence its modern usage. You can appreciate the poetic and philosophical weight of 'la palabra' in Spanish literature, from the Golden Age to contemporary works. You are comfortable using high-register expressions like 'empeñar la palabra' or 'faltar a la palabra dada.' You can analyze the use of 'la palabra' in political discourse, noting how it is used to build trust or manipulate meaning. Your understanding of 'la palabra' includes its role in phonetics and morphology, and you can discuss 'palabras agudas, llanas y esdrújulas' with ease. You also recognize regional variations in how 'palabra' and its derivatives are used across the Spanish-speaking world. At this level, 'la palabra' is a concept you can manipulate to achieve specific communicative goals, whether you are writing a formal essay, giving a speech, or engaging in a deep philosophical debate.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'la palabra' in all its forms and contexts. You can use the word with extreme subtlety, employing it in irony, sarcasm, or profound metaphor. You are aware of the most obscure idioms and historical uses of the term. You can discuss the philosophy of language in Spanish, exploring the relationship between 'la palabra' and 'la realidad' (reality). Your command of the language allows you to use 'la palabra' to create intricate wordplay or to write compelling prose and poetry. You understand the legal and technical nuances of 'la palabra' in various professional fields. For a C2 learner, 'la palabra' is not just a part of the language; it is the language itself. You can navigate the most complex social and professional situations where 'la palabra' is used as a tool of negotiation, persuasion, and artistic expression. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, reflecting a deep cultural and linguistic integration.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

la palabra en 30 secondes

'La palabra' is the Spanish word for 'word,' and it is a feminine noun.
It is used to refer to linguistic units, personal promises, and the right to speak.
Common phrases include 'en otras palabras' (in other words) and 'dar la palabra' (to give one's word).
Avoid confusing it with 'pala' (shovel) and always ensure feminine gender agreement.

The Spanish noun la palabra is the fundamental building block of the Spanish language, representing a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing. While its primary translation is 'the word,' its usage in Spanish is far more nuanced and culturally significant than its English counterpart. In Spanish-speaking cultures, la palabra is not merely a linguistic unit; it is a symbol of personal integrity, a legal tool, and a vessel for emotional expression. When a speaker refers to la palabra, they might be discussing vocabulary, but they are just as likely to be talking about a promise or the right to speak in a formal setting.

Linguistic Unit: A sequence of characters or sounds that carries meaning, such as 'casa' or 'sol'.

Moral Commitment: The concept of 'giving one's word' (dar la palabra), which implies a sacred promise or oath of honor.

Right to Speak: In parliamentary or formal contexts, 'tener la palabra' means having the floor or the permission to address an audience.

No entiendo el significado de esta palabra en este contexto específico.

Te doy mi palabra de que estaré allí a las ocho en punto.

El presidente tiene la palabra para comenzar la sesión legislativa.

Escribir una palabra amable puede cambiar el día de una persona.

En una palabra, la película fue absolutamente increíble y emocionante.

Understanding la palabra requires recognizing its flexibility. It can refer to the physical act of speaking, the written text on a page, or the abstract concept of truth. In daily conversation, you will hear it used to clarify meanings, to promise actions, or to describe someone's character (e.g., 'un hombre de palabra'). The word's roots in the Latin 'parabola' suggest a history of storytelling and comparison, which remains evident in how Spanish speakers use words to paint vivid pictures and establish deep connections. Whether you are a beginner learning your first few 'palabras' or an advanced student analyzing literature, this term remains central to your journey. It is the thread that weaves together the fabric of Hispanic communication, bridging the gap between thought and expression. By mastering its various uses, you gain insight into the Spanish soul, where a person's word is often considered their most valuable possession.

Using la palabra correctly in sentences involves more than just knowing its translation; it requires an understanding of Spanish syntax, gender agreement, and common verbal pairings. As a feminine noun, la palabra always takes feminine articles ('la', 'una', 'las', 'unas') and requires any modifying adjectives to end in the feminine form. For example, 'the first word' is 'la primera palabra,' and 'some difficult words' is 'unas palabras difíciles.'

Subject Placement: When 'la palabra' is the subject, it usually comes before the verb: 'La palabra es poderosa' (The word is powerful).

Object Placement: As a direct object, it follows the verb: 'Él no dijo ni una palabra' (He didn't say a single word).

Prepositional Phrases: It often appears in phrases like 'en otras palabras' (in other words) or 'palabra por palabra' (word for word).

¿Podrías deletrear esa palabra para mí, por favor?

Ella siempre cumple su palabra, pase lo que pase.

Buscamos la palabra clave en el texto para entender el tema.

No tengo palabras para expresar mi gratitud por tu ayuda.

Es importante no usar palabrotas en una entrevista de trabajo formal.

In more advanced sentences, la palabra can be part of complex grammatical structures. For instance, 'A falta de una palabra mejor...' (For lack of a better word...) or 'Empeñar la palabra' (To pledge one's word). The plural form 'palabras' is often used to describe a conversation or a dispute, as in 'tuvieron sus palabras' (they had their words/an argument). When writing, pay attention to the accentuation of the word itself; 'palabra' is a 'palabra llana' (stressed on the second-to-last syllable) and does not require a written accent mark because it ends in a vowel. This consistency makes it a reliable anchor for learners practicing Spanish phonetics. Whether you are constructing simple sentences in an A1 class or writing a thesis in a C2 seminar, la palabra will be your most frequent companion. It is the atom of the Spanish sentence, small yet containing the power to build entire worlds of meaning.

You will encounter la palabra in virtually every corner of the Spanish-speaking world, from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the quiet cafes of Madrid. Its ubiquity makes it one of the most essential terms for any learner to recognize in various contexts. In educational settings, teachers constantly use it: 'Abran sus libros y busquen la palabra...' (Open your books and look for the word...). In the media, news anchors use it to introduce quotes: 'En palabras del ministro...' (In the words of the minister...).

Daily Life: Used to ask for definitions or to emphasize a point: '¿Qué significa esa palabra?' or '¡Palabra de honor!'

Legal & Political: Used to manage speaking turns: 'Se le concede la palabra al diputado' (The deputy is granted the floor).

Religious Contexts: Refers to scripture: 'La Palabra de Dios' (The Word of God), often heard in churches across Latin America and Spain.

El juez le dio la palabra al testigo para que declarara.

En el crucigrama, me falta solo una palabra de cinco letras.

Las palabras del poema resonaron en todo el auditorio.

No confíes en él; sus palabras no coinciden con sus acciones.

El diccionario contiene miles de palabras que ya no se usan.

In literature and music, la palabra is a recurring theme. Songs often talk about 'palabras de amor' (words of love) or 'palabras vacías' (empty words). In poetry, the word itself is often personified, treated as something that can fly, hurt, or heal. If you watch Spanish-language films, you will notice characters using 'palabra' to settle disputes or to emphasize their sincerity. It is a word that carries weight, whether whispered in a romantic scene or shouted in a political rally. By paying attention to where and how la palabra is used, you will begin to grasp the underlying values of the Spanish-speaking world: the importance of honor, the beauty of expression, and the power of communication.

Even though la palabra seems like a straightforward term, English speakers frequently make several common errors when using it. The most prevalent mistake is related to grammatical gender. Because many abstract nouns in English are neutral, learners often forget that la palabra is strictly feminine. This leads to errors like 'el palabra' or 'un palabra,' which sound jarring to native speakers.

Gender Mismatch: Using masculine articles or adjectives: 'el palabra' (incorrect) vs 'la palabra' (correct).

Confusion with 'Pala': Beginners sometimes confuse 'palabra' with 'pala' (shovel) due to the similar starting letters.

Literal Translation: Translating 'to have a word' literally as 'tener una palabra' when the correct idiom for a brief chat is 'hablar un momento'.

Incorrect: El palabra es muy largo. Correct: La palabra es muy larga.

Incorrect: ¿Puedo tener una palabra contigo? Correct: ¿Puedo hablar un momento contigo?

Incorrect: Ella no cumplió su promesa (when meaning 'word'). Correct: Ella no cumplió su palabra.

Incorrect: Busco la voz en el diccionario. Correct: Busco la palabra en el diccionario.

Incorrect: No entiendo las palabras de la canción (when meaning 'lyrics'). Correct: No entiendo la letra de la canción.

Another subtle mistake is using la palabra when 'término' (term) or 'vocablo' (vocabulary word) might be more appropriate in a technical or academic context. While 'palabra' is generally safe, using more specific synonyms can elevate your Spanish. Additionally, be careful with the phrase 'de palabra.' While it means 'verbally' or 'by word of mouth,' it can also imply something that isn't backed up by a written contract, which might carry different connotations depending on the situation. Finally, avoid overusing 'palabra' to mean 'promise' in every situation; while common, 'promesa' is also a perfectly good word. However, if you want to sound more like a native speaker and emphasize honor, 'palabra' is the way to go. By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can use la palabra with the confidence and precision of a native speaker.

While la palabra is the most common way to say 'word,' Spanish offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can help you express yourself more precisely. Understanding the subtle differences between these alternatives is key to reaching an advanced level of fluency.

Término: Often used for technical, legal, or scientific 'terms'. It implies a more specific or defined meaning than a general 'palabra'.

Vocablo: A more formal or linguistic way to refer to a word as a lexical unit. You'll see this in grammar books or academic discussions.

Voz: Literally 'voice,' but in lexicography, it refers to a dictionary entry or a specific term used in a particular field.

El término jurídico es difícil de entender para los que no son abogados.

Este vocablo tiene su origen en el griego antiguo.

La voz 'democracia' aparece en la página cien del diccionario.

Usó una expresión muy graciosa que nunca había oído antes.

Su discurso estuvo lleno de palabras de esperanza y unidad.

Beyond individual words, you might use 'expresión' (expression) or 'frase' (phrase/sentence) when referring to a group of words. If you are talking about someone's way of speaking, you might use 'léxico' (lexicon) or 'vocabulario' (vocabulary). For instance, 'Tiene un vocabulario muy amplio' (He has a very wide vocabulary). When comparing 'palabra' to its antonyms, 'silencio' (silence) is the most direct opposite in a literal sense, while 'hechos' (deeds/actions) is the most common conceptual opposite, as seen in the phrase 'hechos, no palabras' (deeds, not words). Choosing the right alternative depends entirely on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. By expanding your repertoire beyond just la palabra, you demonstrate a deeper mastery of the Spanish language and a more sophisticated ability to communicate complex ideas.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"El orador solicitó la palabra ante la asamblea."

Neutre

"¿Cómo se escribe esta palabra?"

Informel

"¡Te lo juro por mi palabra, tío!"

Child friendly

"Vamos a aprender una palabra nueva hoy."

Argot

"¡Suelta la palabra ya!"

Le savais-tu ?

In late Latin, 'parabola' replaced 'verbum' as the common word for 'speech' because of the influence of Christian parables.

Guide de prononciation

UK paˈla.βɾa

US pəˈlɑ.brə

The stress is on the second syllable: pa-LA-bra.

Rime avec

abra macabra labra fabra chiabra calabra desabra reabra

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'b' too hard like an English 'b'.
Using an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
Stressing the first or last syllable.
Aspirating the 'p'.
Making the 'a' sounds too long or like 'ay'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a high-frequency word.

Écriture 2/5

Easy, but remember the feminine gender agreement.

Expression orale 2/5

Requires correct stress on the second syllable and a soft 'b'.

Écoute 1/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to hear in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

el la decir hablar nombre

Apprends ensuite

frase oración término promesa honor

Avancé

lexicografía semántica etimología retórica elocuencia

Grammaire à connaître

Gender Agreement

La palabra (fem) es bonita (fem).

Pluralization

Una palabra -> Dos palabras.

Stress Rules

Pa-la-bra (ends in vowel, stress on penultimate).

Direct Object Pronouns

La palabra... la escribí (I wrote it).

Negative Commands

No digas (subjunctive) ni una palabra.

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Exemples par niveau

¿Qué significa esta palabra?

What does this word mean?

'Esta' is the feminine singular demonstrative adjective matching 'palabra'.

No sé esa palabra.

I don't know that word.

'Esa' is the feminine singular demonstrative adjective.

Escribe la palabra en el papel.

Write the word on the paper.

'Escribe' is the imperative (command) form of the verb 'escribir'.

Es una palabra muy corta.

It is a very short word.

'Corta' is a feminine adjective matching 'palabra'.

¿Cómo se deletrea la palabra?

How do you spell the word?

'Se deletrea' is the passive 'se' construction.

Repite la palabra, por favor.

Repeat the word, please.

'Repite' is the imperative form of 'repetir'.

La palabra es 'casa'.

The word is 'house'.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

Busco una palabra en el libro.

I am looking for a word in the book.

'Busco' is the first-person singular present tense of 'buscar'.

En otras palabras, no podemos ir.

In other words, we can't go.

'En otras palabras' is a common transitional phrase.

He aprendido muchas palabras hoy.

I have learned many words today.

'Muchas' is the feminine plural adjective matching 'palabras'.

¿Cuál es la palabra correcta?

Which is the correct word?

'Correcta' is the feminine adjective matching 'palabra'.

Ella me dio su palabra.

She gave me her word.

'Dió' is the third-person singular preterite of 'dar'.

No digas ni una palabra.

Don't say a single word.

'Digas' is the negative informal command (subjunctive) of 'decir'.

Es una palabra difícil de pronunciar.

It is a difficult word to pronounce.

'Difícil' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender.

La primera palabra es 'hola'.

The first word is 'hello'.

'Primera' is the feminine ordinal number.

¿Puedes traducir esta palabra?

Can you translate this word?

'Traducir' is the infinitive verb.

Él siempre cumple su palabra.

He always keeps his word.

'Cumple' is the present tense of 'cumplir'.

Tengo que pedir la palabra en la reunión.

I have to ask for the floor in the meeting.

'Pedir la palabra' is an idiomatic expression.

No tengo palabras para agradecerte.

I don't have words to thank you.

'Para agradecerte' uses the infinitive with an object pronoun.

Es un hombre de palabra.

He is a man of his word.

'De palabra' functions as an adjectival phrase.

Tuvieron unas palabras y se enfadaron.

They had some words and got angry.

'Tuvieron unas palabras' implies a dispute.

No faltes a tu palabra.

Don't break your word.

'Faltes' is the negative informal command.

La palabra clave es 'seguridad'.

The keyword is 'security'.

'Clave' acts as an adjective here.

Dime la última palabra del texto.

Tell me the last word of the text.

'Dime' is the imperative 'di' with the pronoun 'me'.

Tomó la palabra para defender su idea.

He took the floor to defend his idea.

'Tomó la palabra' is a formal idiom.

Sus palabras fueron muy alentadoras.

His words were very encouraging.

'Alentadoras' is the feminine plural adjective.

No entiendo el sentido de tus palabras.

I don't understand the meaning of your words.

'Sentido' here means 'meaning' or 'intent'.

Palabra por palabra, tradujo el contrato.

Word for word, he translated the contract.

'Palabra por palabra' is an adverbial phrase.

Me he quedado sin palabras ante la noticia.

I have been left speechless by the news.

'Sin palabras' means 'speechless'.

Cedió la palabra al siguiente orador.

He gave the floor to the next speaker.

'Cedió' is the preterite of 'ceder'.

Esas son palabras mayores.

Those are serious words / That's a big claim.

'Palabras mayores' is an idiom for something serious.

La palabra 'libertad' tiene mucho peso.

The word 'freedom' has a lot of weight.

'Peso' is used metaphorically here.

Empeñó su palabra en el negocio.

He pledged his word in the business deal.

'Empeñar' is a high-register verb for pledging.

Sus palabras destilaban amargura.

His words dripped with bitterness.

'Destilaban' is a literary verb choice.

No es más que palabrería barata.

It's nothing more than cheap talk.

'Palabrería' is a pejorative noun.

Mide tus palabras antes de hablar.

Measure your words before speaking.

'Mide' is the imperative of 'medir'.

La palabra es el arma más poderosa.

The word is the most powerful weapon.

A metaphorical use of 'arma'.

A falta de una palabra mejor, lo llamaremos así.

For lack of a better word, we will call it that.

A common rhetorical hedge.

Sus palabras calaron hondo en el público.

His words made a deep impression on the audience.

'Calar hondo' is an idiom for making a deep impact.

Esclavo de sus palabras y dueño de su silencio.

Slave to his words and master of his silence.

A famous Spanish proverb.

La polisemia de la palabra complica la traducción.

The polysemy of the word complicates the translation.

'Polisemia' is a technical linguistic term.

Sus palabras eran un bálsamo para mi alma.

His words were a balm for my soul.

Metaphorical and poetic usage.

No permitas que tus palabras caigan en saco roto.

Don't let your words fall on deaf ears.

'Caer en saco roto' is a complex idiom.

La palabra es el logos que ordena el caos.

The word is the logos that orders the chaos.

Philosophical and academic register.

Desmenuzó cada palabra del discurso.

He scrutinized every word of the speech.

'Desmenuzar' means to break down or scrutinize.

Su palabra es ley en esta casa.

His word is law in this house.

An idiom for absolute authority.

La palabra escrita perdura más que la hablada.

The written word lasts longer than the spoken one.

A philosophical comparison.

Se retractó de sus palabras tras la polémica.

He took back his words after the controversy.

'Retractarse' is a formal verb for recanting.

Collocations courantes

palabra clave

palabra de honor

última palabra

malas palabras

palabra por palabra

en una palabra

palabras de aliento

tomar la palabra

pedir la palabra

cumplir la palabra

Phrases Courantes

en otras palabras

— Used to explain something in a different way. It is very common in both speech and writing.

En otras palabras, el proyecto está cancelado.

palabra de Dios

— Refers to the Bible or religious teachings. Used in religious contexts.

Estamos aquí para escuchar la palabra de Dios.

no tener palabras

— To be so emotional or shocked that you cannot speak. Used in extreme situations.

No tengo palabras para describir lo que siento.

tener la palabra

— To have the right or turn to speak in a formal setting. Common in meetings.

Usted tiene la palabra, señor Martínez.

bajo palabra

— To be released or trusted based on a verbal promise. Often used in legal contexts.

Salió de la cárcel bajo palabra de honor.

palabras mayores

— Refers to something very serious or significant. Used when a situation escalates.

Eso que has dicho son palabras mayores.

quedarse con la palabra en la boca

— To be interrupted or unable to finish what you were saying. Used in social situations.

Me dejó con la palabra en la boca y se fue.

decir cuatro palabras

— To speak briefly or to scold someone. Used informally.

Voy a decirle cuatro palabras a ese chico.

palabra por palabra

— To do something exactly as stated, without changing anything. Used for translations or quotes.

Copié el texto palabra por palabra.

dar su palabra

— To make a serious promise. Used to build trust.

Me dio su palabra de que me ayudaría.

Souvent confondu avec

la palabra vs pala

'Pala' means shovel. Don't dig with a 'palabra'!

la palabra vs parada

'Parada' means a stop (like a bus stop).

la palabra vs para

'Para' is a preposition meaning 'for' or 'to'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"no tener más que palabras"

— To talk a lot but take no action. Used to criticize someone's lack of effort.

Él no tiene más que palabras, nunca hace nada.

informal

"tragarse sus palabras"

— To have to admit that what you said was wrong. Similar to 'eat one's words'.

Tuvo que tragarse sus palabras cuando vio los resultados.

neutral

"poner palabras en la boca de alguien"

— To claim someone said something they didn't. Used in arguments.

No pongas palabras en mi boca que yo no he dicho.

neutral

"palabras al viento"

— Words that are ignored or have no effect. Used for useless advice.

Mis consejos fueron palabras al viento para él.

literary

"ser todo oídos y pocas palabras"

— To listen carefully and speak very little. Used to describe a wise or reserved person.

Mi abuelo era todo oídos y pocas palabras.

neutral

"faltar a la palabra"

— To break a promise. Used to describe a lack of integrity.

Nunca confíes en alguien que falta a su palabra.

neutral

"empeñar la palabra"

— To give a very solemn and binding promise. Used in formal or old-fashioned contexts.

Empeñó su palabra y no pudo volverse atrás.

formal

"medir las palabras"

— To speak carefully to avoid offending or making a mistake. Used in delicate situations.

En la reunión, tuve que medir mis palabras.

neutral

"soltar la palabra"

— To finally say something or reveal a secret. Used informally.

Después de mucho insistir, soltó la palabra.

informal

"tener palabras"

— To have a verbal argument with someone. Used to describe a conflict.

Ayer tuve palabras con mi vecino por el ruido.

neutral

Facile à confondre

la palabra vs letra

Both can refer to writing.

'Palabra' is a whole word; 'letra' is a single letter of the alphabet or song lyrics.

La palabra 'sol' tiene tres letras.

la palabra vs promesa

Both can mean a commitment.

'Promesa' is the act of promising; 'palabra' emphasizes the honor behind it.

Hice una promesa, pero te doy mi palabra de honor.

la palabra vs término

Both mean 'word'.

'Término' is more technical or specific to a field.

El término 'átomo' es científico.

la palabra vs frase

Both are units of language.

'Frase' is a group of words; 'palabra' is just one.

Esa frase tiene muchas palabras.

la palabra vs discurso

Both involve speaking.

'Discurso' is a long speech; 'palabra' is the unit of that speech.

Su discurso fue de mil palabras.

Structures de phrases

¿Qué significa [palabra]?

¿Qué significa 'ventana'?

En otras palabras, [sentence].

En otras palabras, no hay dinero.

Dar la palabra a [person].

Le di mi palabra a mi madre.

Cumplir la palabra.

Él siempre cumple su palabra.

No tener palabras para [infinitive].

No tengo palabras para describir el paisaje.

Tomar la palabra.

Ella tomó la palabra en el debate.

A falta de una palabra mejor...

A falta de una palabra mejor, es un genio.

Empeñar la palabra en [context].

Empeñó su palabra en el honor de su familia.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; in the top 100 most used Spanish nouns.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'el palabra' → la palabra
'Palabra' is a feminine noun ending in 'a'. It always takes feminine articles and adjectives.
Using 'palabra' for song lyrics → letra
In Spanish, 'letra' is used for the lyrics of a song. 'Palabra' only refers to the individual words.
Translating 'to have a word' literally → hablar un momento
'Tener una palabra' sounds like you literally possess a word. Use 'hablar un momento' for a brief chat.
Confusing 'palabra' with 'pala' → palabra
'Pala' is a shovel. Saying 'No entiendo esta pala' means 'I don't understand this shovel'.
Using 'palabra' for a technical term in a thesis → término
While not strictly wrong, 'término' is more appropriate for academic or technical registers.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'palabra' is feminine. This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Practice saying 'la palabra' and 'las palabras' until it becomes natural.

Expand with Suffixes

Learn 'palabrota' (swear word) and 'palabrería' (empty talk) to see how Spanish uses suffixes to change the meaning of base words.

Honor Matters

In Spanish, giving your 'palabra' is a big deal. Don't use 'te doy mi palabra' unless you really mean it, as it is tied to your personal honor.

Soft 'B'

The 'b' in 'palabra' is between two vowels, so it should be soft and fricative. Don't pop it like an English 'b'; let a little air through.

In Other Words

Memorize 'en otras palabras'. It is a lifesaver when you are struggling to explain something and need to try a different approach.

Academic Tone

In formal writing, try using 'término' or 'vocablo' instead of 'palabra' to show a higher level of vocabulary and precision.

Context Clues

When you hear 'palabra', look at the verb. If it's 'decir', it's linguistic. If it's 'cumplir', it's a promise. If it's 'pedir', it's about speaking turns.

Dictionary Skills

When looking up a 'palabra', pay attention to the 'voz' (entry) and the different meanings (polisemia) it might have in the dictionary.

Polite Interruptions

Use '¿Puedo decir una palabra?' or 'Pido la palabra' to join a conversation politely in a formal or semi-formal Spanish setting.

Visual Link

Visualize a bridge made of letters connecting two people. This bridge is 'la palabra', the connection between minds.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'PAL' (friend) who gives you their 'BRA' (word/support). A 'PAL-A-BRA' is what a friend gives you.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person holding a giant, glowing letter 'A' as if it were a sacred object—this is their 'palabra' (word/honor).

Word Web

lengua idioma voz diccionario promesa honor frase texto

Défi

Try to use 'palabra' in three different ways today: once for a vocabulary word, once for a promise, and once in the phrase 'en otras palabras'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin 'parabola', which comes from the Greek 'parabolē'.

Sens originel : Originally meant 'comparison' or 'parable' in Latin.

It is a Romance word, cognate with the French 'parole' and Italian 'parola'.

Contexte culturel

Be careful with 'palabrotas' (swear words); while common, they are highly offensive in formal or religious settings.

English speakers use 'word' similarly but often prefer 'promise' for commitments. In Spanish, 'palabra' is more common for 'honor'.

'En el principio era el Verbo' (Biblical) 'Palabras, palabras, palabras' (Hamlet, Spanish translation) 'La palabra' (Famous poem by Pablo Neruda)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Classroom

¿Qué significa esta palabra?
¿Cómo se deletrea?
Busca la palabra en el diccionario.
Repite la palabra.

Business Meeting

Tiene la palabra el gerente.
Pido la palabra.
En otras palabras...
Doy mi palabra de que cumpliremos.

Legal/Police

Declaró bajo palabra.
Su palabra contra la mía.
Libertad bajo palabra.
No dijo ni una palabra.

Social/Promise

Te doy mi palabra.
Es un hombre de palabra.
No faltes a tu palabra.
Palabra de honor.

Reading/Writing

Una palabra clave.
Palabra por palabra.
Falta una palabra.
La última palabra.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cuál es tu palabra favorita en español y por qué?"

"¿Crees que hoy en día la palabra de honor sigue siendo importante?"

"¿Qué haces cuando no entiendes una palabra en una película?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que tragarte tus palabras?"

"¿Prefieres los hechos o las palabras en una relación?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una vez que alguien no cumplió su palabra contigo.

¿Qué palabras de aliento le darías a tu 'yo' del pasado?

Describe la importancia de la palabra escrita en la historia de la humanidad.

¿Qué significa para ti ser una persona de palabra?

Haz una lista de diez palabras nuevas que hayas aprendido esta semana.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'palabra' is always a feminine noun in Spanish. You must always use 'la', 'una', 'las', or 'unas' with it. Even if you are talking about a 'masculine' concept, the word itself remains feminine. For example, 'una palabra fuerte' (a strong word).

Yes, 'palabra' is very commonly used to mean 'promise' or 'one's word of honor'. Phrases like 'dar la palabra' (to give one's word) or 'cumplir la palabra' (to keep one's word) are standard in Spanish and carry a lot of weight.

'Palabra' refers to a complete word (like 'casa'), while 'letra' refers to a single letter of the alphabet (like 'c', 'a', 's', 'a'). Also, 'letra' is used for the lyrics of a song, whereas 'palabra' is not.

The most common term for a swear word or bad word is 'palabrota'. It is the word 'palabra' with the augmentative suffix '-ota', which often implies something big or bad.

It means 'to have the floor' or to have the right to speak in a formal setting like a meeting, a trial, or a parliamentary session. It is a formal way of managing conversation turns.

Absolutely. It is one of the most common nouns in the Spanish language. You will hear it in almost every conversation, whether someone is asking for a definition or making a promise.

The 'r' in 'palabra' is a single tap 'r'. It sounds similar to the 'tt' in the English word 'butter' (in American English). It is not a rolled 'rr' and certainly not the English 'r'.

It translates to 'word of honor'. It is a solemn oath. If someone says 'te doy mi palabra de honor', they are making a very serious commitment based on their personal integrity.

You can use 'palabras' to refer to individual words you know, but if you want to talk about your 'vocabulary' as a whole, it is better to use the word 'vocabulario'.

It means 'in a word' or 'in short'. It is used to summarize a long explanation or a complex feeling very briefly. For example: 'En una palabra, ¡increíble!'

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Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Translate to Spanish: 'The word is house.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Simple subject-verb-complement.