This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 determiner #1,000 most common 14 min read

otro

Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips otro in 30 Seconds

Explanation otro in your Level:

At the A1 level, your primary goal is to survive and communicate basic needs in a Spanish-speaking environment. The word 'otro' is absolutely essential for this. At this stage, you should focus on its most direct translation: 'another'. You will use it primarily to ask for more of something or to point to a different object. The most important rule to memorize right now is that you never use 'un' or 'una' before 'otro'. You simply say 'otro' (for masculine words) or 'otra' (for feminine words). For example, if you are at a cafe and want a second coffee, you say 'Quiero otro café'. If you want another beer, you say 'Quiero otra cerveza'. It is that simple. You also need to know the plural forms: 'otros' and 'otras'. If you want to buy two more apples, you say 'Quiero otras dos manzanas'. Notice how 'otras' comes before the number 'dos'. This is a very common pattern. Practice pointing at things and saying 'este no, el otro' (not this one, the other one). This simple phrase will help you immensely when shopping or choosing items. Do not worry too much about complex grammar at this stage; just focus on getting the gender right (otro/otra) and remembering to drop the 'un'. By mastering these basic transactional uses, you will be able to navigate restaurants, markets, and simple social interactions with much greater ease. 'Otro' is your best friend when you need an alternative or a refill.

As you progress to the A2 level, your ability to describe the world around you expands, and so does your use of 'otro'. You already know how to ask for 'otro café', but now you will start using 'otro' to talk about time and routines. A very common phrase you must learn is 'el otro día', which means 'the other day' (referring to a recent, unspecified day in the past). For example, 'El otro día fui al cine' (The other day I went to the movies). Conversely, if you want to put something off until the future, you say 'otro día' without the 'el'. For example, 'Hoy estoy cansado, lo hacemos otro día' (Today I am tired, we will do it another day). You will also start using 'otra vez', which means 'again' or 'another time'. 'No quiero llegar tarde otra vez' (I don't want to arrive late again). At this level, you should also be comfortable using 'otro' as a pronoun to avoid repeating words. If someone asks '¿Qué zapatos prefieres?', you can answer 'Prefiero los otros' (I prefer the other ones). You are no longer just asking for more food; you are using 'otro' to manage your schedule, express frustration ('¡Otra vez!'), and make comparisons between different objects in your daily life. Pay close attention to the agreement of gender and number, as this is expected to be more accurate at the A2 level.

At the B1 level, you are moving beyond simple transactions and starting to express opinions, tell stories, and connect ideas. 'Otro' becomes a vital tool for structuring your sentences and presenting contrasting information. You will begin to use correlative pairs like 'unos... otros...' to mean 'some... others...'. This is excellent for generalizing or describing groups. For example, 'En mi clase, unos estudian mucho y otros no hacen nada' (In my class, some study a lot and others do nothing). You will also start using 'otro' in transitional phrases to organize your thoughts during a conversation. A key phrase to master is 'por otro lado', which translates to 'on the other hand'. This allows you to present a balanced argument: 'Me gusta la ciudad, pero por otro lado, el campo es más tranquilo' (I like the city, but on the other hand, the countryside is quieter). You should also be aware of the difference between 'otro' (another/alternative) and 'diferente' (different/distinct). If you say 'quiero otro coche', you might just want a second car. If you say 'quiero un coche diferente', you want a car that is not like the one you have. At B1, your use of 'otro' should feel natural and integrated into longer, more complex sentences, helping you to compare, contrast, and narrate with greater fluency.

Reaching the B2 level means you are capable of discussing abstract concepts, participating in debates, and understanding nuanced native speech. Your use of 'otro' must reflect this advanced comprehension. You will frequently use 'otro' in idiomatic and rhetorical contexts. For instance, the phrase 'en otras palabras' (in other words) is essential for clarifying complex points or summarizing an argument during a discussion. You will also encounter 'otro' in expressions that convey a sense of magnitude or difference in quality, such as 'eso es de otro nivel' (that is on another level). At this stage, you should be perfectly comfortable with the syntax of 'otro' combined with other determiners, such as 'ningún otro' (no other) or 'cualquier otro' (any other). For example, 'No aceptaré ninguna otra oferta' (I will not accept any other offer). You will also understand the subtle implications of 'otro' in social contexts. If someone says 'Esa es otra historia' (That's another story), they are indicating a topic is too long or complex to discuss right now. Your mastery of 'otro' at B2 is not about learning new grammatical rules, but about deploying the word with the exact precision and idiomatic naturalness of a native speaker, using it to navigate sophisticated conversations and articulate complex, multi-layered ideas.

At the C1 level, your Spanish is highly proficient, and you are expected to understand and utilize the full idiomatic and cultural spectrum of the language. The word 'otro' appears in numerous fixed expressions and proverbs that require a deep cultural understanding. You will comfortably use phrases like 'Ese es otro cantar' (That's a different story / That's another matter entirely) to dismiss a topic or highlight a stark contrast. You will understand literary and journalistic uses, such as referring to the afterlife as 'el otro mundo' (the other world) or referring to Europe (from a Latin American perspective) or the Americas (from a Spanish perspective) as 'el otro lado del charco' (the other side of the pond). You will also use 'otro' to express exasperation or disbelief in a highly native manner, such as '¡Otra que tal baila!' (an expression used to say someone is just as bad as someone else). At this level, you are also highly sensitive to the register of the word. You know when to use 'otro' versus more formal alternatives like 'alternativo' or 'distinto' depending on whether you are writing an academic paper or chatting in a bar. Your use of 'otro' is seamless, unconscious, and deeply integrated into the rich tapestry of advanced Spanish syntax and cultural expression.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native mastery of Spanish, and your engagement with the word 'otro' extends into the realms of philosophy, literature, and advanced rhetoric. You are not merely using 'otro' as a determiner; you are engaging with the concept of 'la otredad' (otherness or alterity), a profound philosophical and sociological term used to discuss identity, marginalization, and the human condition. You can comfortably read and analyze texts by authors like Octavio Paz or Jorge Luis Borges, where the concept of 'el otro' (the other self, the doppelgänger) is a central thematic device. In highly sophisticated discourse, you can manipulate the syntax of 'otro' for poetic or rhetorical effect, perhaps placing it after the noun in a highly stylized, archaic manner ('el hombre otro') to emphasize alienation, though you know this is strictly for literary effect. You understand the deepest etymological roots of the word (from Latin 'alter') and how it connects to words like 'altruismo' (altruism - caring for the other) and 'altercado' (altercation - a dispute with another). At C2, 'otro' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that you wield with absolute precision to articulate the most complex, abstract, and profound ideas capable of being expressed in the Spanish language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

otro in 30 Seconds

Means 'another' or 'other' in English.
Must match the noun's gender and number (otro, otra, otros, otras).
Never use 'un' or 'una' before it (no 'un otro').
Always comes before the number (e.g., 'otros dos').

When embarking on the beautiful journey of learning the Spanish language, one of the absolute most essential and frequently utilized words you will encounter is the determiner and pronoun 'otro'. In its most fundamental essence, 'otro' translates directly to the English words 'other' or 'another'. However, to truly master this word, one must look beyond a simple one-to-one translation and understand the underlying mechanics of how it functions within the broader ecosystem of Spanish grammar and daily communication. The concept of 'otherness' or indicating an alternative is universal, but the Spanish application carries specific rules that are vital for achieving fluency. First and foremost, 'otro' is a chameleon of a word; it must always adapt to match the gender and the number of the noun it is describing or replacing. This means you will not just learn one word, but four distinct forms: 'otro' for masculine singular nouns, 'otra' for feminine singular nouns, 'otros' for masculine plural nouns, and 'otras' for feminine plural nouns.

Por favor, tráigame otro vaso de agua.

Masculine Singular: Used with masculine singular nouns, such as 'otro libro' (another book) or 'otro coche' (another car).

Feminine Singular: Used with feminine singular nouns, such as 'otra casa' (another house) or 'otra oportunidad' (another opportunity).

Plural Forms: Used for multiples, such as 'otros problemas' (other problems) or 'otras personas' (other people).

One of the most critical, non-negotiable rules of the Spanish language regarding this word—and a rule that consistently challenges native English speakers—is that 'otro' inherently contains the concept of the indefinite article. In English, we say 'an-other', combining 'an' and 'other'. In Spanish, the word 'otro' stands completely alone. You must never, under any circumstances, place the indefinite articles 'un' or 'una' before 'otro' or 'otra'. Saying 'un otro' is considered a severe grammatical error that immediately marks the speaker as a beginner.

Necesito otra silla para mi invitado.

People use this word constantly in everyday life. When you are dining at a restaurant and you finish your beverage, you will naturally ask the waiter for 'otro café' or 'otra cerveza'. When you are shopping for clothing and a particular shirt does not fit your body correctly, you will ask the sales associate for 'otra talla' (another size) or perhaps 'otro color' (another color). The utility of 'otro' extends far beyond physical objects. It is used to discuss time, such as suggesting 'otro día' (another day) for a meeting when your schedule is full. It is used to discuss people, such as mentioning 'otra persona' (another person) who might be better suited for a specific task.

Podemos hablar de esto en otro momento.

Furthermore, 'otro' can function perfectly as a pronoun, meaning it can completely replace the noun it refers to, provided the context is clear to both the speaker and the listener. If someone offers you an apple, but it looks bruised, you can point to a different one and simply say, 'Prefiero la otra' (I prefer the other one). Notice how 'otra' takes the place of 'otra manzana'. This dual functionality as both a determiner (adjective) and a pronoun makes 'otro' an incredibly powerful tool in your Spanish vocabulary arsenal.

Ese zapato está sucio, ponte el otro.

Algunos estudiantes estudian mucho, otros no hacen nada.

Understanding the nuances of 'otro' allows you to express alternatives, additions, and distinctions with native-like precision. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and complex sentence structure, enabling you to navigate the Spanish-speaking world with confidence and clarity.

The syntactic placement and grammatical integration of 'otro' within Spanish sentences follow a set of highly consistent and logical patterns that are essential for any language learner to master. Unlike some adjectives in Spanish that can float before or after the noun depending on poetic or nuanced emphasis, 'otro' is remarkably rigid in its positioning when acting as a determiner: it almost exclusively precedes the noun it modifies. You will say 'otro camino' (another path), never 'camino otro'. This pre-nominal placement is a steadfast rule that helps structure the rhythm of Spanish speech.

Vamos a buscar otro restaurante porque este está lleno.

With Definite Articles: You can combine 'otro' with 'el', 'la', 'los', or 'las' to mean 'the other'. For example, 'el otro lado' (the other side).

With Demonstratives: It pairs perfectly with words like 'este' or 'ese'. For example, 'este otro libro' (this other book).

With Possessives: You can use it with possessive adjectives, such as 'mi otro hermano' (my other brother).

When constructing sentences, it is crucial to remember the agreement rules. If the noun is feminine and plural, 'otro' must become 'otras'. For instance, 'Quiero ver otras opciones' (I want to see other options).

Necesitamos comprar otros tres boletos para el concierto.

This specific numeric ordering is a frequent stumbling block for English speakers who are accustomed to saying 'another three tickets' or 'three other tickets'. In Spanish, the sequence is strictly 'otros + number + noun'. Furthermore, 'otro' frequently appears in correlative pairs, similar to 'some... others...' in English. In Spanish, this is expressed as 'unos... otros...'. For example, 'Unos prefieren la playa, otros prefieren la montaña' (Some prefer the beach, others prefer the mountains). This structure is incredibly useful for comparing and contrasting different groups or ideas within a single, cohesive sentence.

Mi otra hermana vive en Madrid.

Another highly common syntactic structure involves using 'otro' to refer to a different point in time. The phrase 'el otro día' literally translates to 'the other day' and is used exactly the same way as in English, to refer to a recently past, unspecified day. Conversely, if you want to postpone something to a future, unspecified day, you omit the definite article and simply say 'otro día'. For example, 'Lo haremos otro día' (We will do it another day).

Te vi en el supermercado el otro día.

Hoy no puedo, mejor quedamos otro día.

By mastering these specific sentence patterns—pre-nominal placement, numeric ordering, correlative pairs, and temporal distinctions—you will significantly elevate the natural flow and grammatical accuracy of your spoken and written Spanish. The word 'otro' is a structural pillar that, when used correctly, supports highly complex and nuanced communication.

The word 'otro' is absolutely ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world; it is virtually impossible to spend a single day in a Spanish-speaking environment without hearing it dozens of times across a multitude of contexts. Its versatility means it permeates every layer of social interaction, from the most casual street conversations to highly formal business meetings. One of the most immediate and practical environments where you will hear 'otro' is in the realm of hospitality and dining. When you are seated at a bustling tapas bar in Madrid or a vibrant taqueria in Mexico City, the word 'otro' is your key to continuing the feast. You will constantly hear patrons signaling the waiter and saying, 'Perdona, ¿me pones otra caña?' (Excuse me, can you give me another draft beer?) or 'Queremos otra ración de patatas bravas' (We want another portion of patatas bravas).

Mesero, por favor tráigame otra servilleta.

In Retail: Shoppers frequently use it to ask for alternatives: '¿Tiene esto en otro color?' (Do you have this in another color?).

In Transportation: Travelers use it to navigate schedules: '¿A qué hora sale el otro tren?' (What time does the other train leave?).

In the Workplace: Colleagues use it to manage tasks: 'Tengo que terminar este informe y luego empezar el otro' (I have to finish this report and then start the other one).

Beyond transactional situations, 'otro' is deeply embedded in conversational storytelling and interpersonal relationships. When a friend is recounting a recent event, they might start by saying, 'El otro día me encontré con Juan' (The other day I ran into Juan). This phrase acts as a standard narrative anchor. In romantic or dramatic contexts, you might hear phrases like 'Hay otra persona' (There is another person), indicating a love triangle or a shift in affections.

Creo que mi novio está viendo a otra chica.

Furthermore, 'otro' is frequently used in idiomatic expressions that you will hear in everyday speech. For example, if someone is explaining a complex situation and wants to summarize or rephrase, they will use the transitional phrase 'en otras palabras' (in other words). If they are presenting an alternative viewpoint in a debate, they will say 'por otro lado' (on the other hand). These connective phrases are the glue that holds fluent Spanish conversations together.

El coche es caro, pero por otro lado, es muy seguro.

No quiero cometer el mismo error otra vez.

Vamos a intentarlo de nuevo, pero de otra manera.

You will also hear 'otro' in media, literature, and news broadcasts. A journalist might report on 'otro accidente' (another accident) or 'otras medidas del gobierno' (other government measures). Because it is a foundational building block of the language, your ear will quickly become attuned to its presence. Recognizing the various contexts in which 'otro' appears will not only improve your listening comprehension but also provide you with the contextual blueprints needed to deploy the word accurately in your own speech.

Despite its conceptual simplicity, the word 'otro' is a notorious trap for English speakers learning Spanish, leading to a specific set of highly predictable and incredibly common mistakes. The absolute most frequent and glaring error, which immediately identifies a speaker as a novice, is the direct translation of the English word 'another' into 'un otro' or 'una otra'. Because 'another' is historically a fusion of 'an' and 'other', English speakers instinctively want to replicate this structure in Spanish. However, in Spanish grammar, 'otro' already encompasses the idea of the indefinite article. Therefore, saying 'Quiero un otro café' is fundamentally incorrect; it sounds as redundant and awkward to a native Spanish speaker as saying 'I want an another coffee' would sound to an English speaker.

Incorrecto: Quiero un otro libro. Correcto: Quiero otro libro.

The 'Un Otro' Trap: Never place 'un' or 'una' directly before 'otro' or 'otra'. The word stands alone to mean 'another'.

Gender Disagreement: Failing to match the gender of 'otro' with the noun. For example, saying 'otro cosa' instead of the correct 'otra cosa'.

Number Disagreement: Forgetting to pluralize. Saying 'otro zapatos' instead of the correct 'otros zapatos'.

Another prevalent mistake involves the ordering of words when combining 'otro' with numbers. In English, we have the flexibility to say either 'another two beers' or 'two other beers', and the meaning remains largely the same. In Spanish, the syntax is strictly regulated: 'otro' must always precede the number. Saying 'dos otras cervezas' is incorrect; the mandatory structure is 'otras dos cervezas'. This requires a conscious rewiring of the English speaker's brain to ensure the determiner always takes the leading position.

Dame otros diez minutos para terminar esto.

Furthermore, learners often confuse 'otro' with 'diferente' (different). While 'otro' can imply something different, its primary function is to indicate an additional item of the same kind, or an alternative. If you ask for 'otro plato' at a restaurant, you are asking for a second, identical plate of food, or perhaps a clean plate. If you want a completely different meal because you disliked the first one, you should specify 'un plato diferente'. Using 'otro' when you mean 'diferente' can lead to confusing situations where you receive more of what you were trying to avoid.

No me gusta este modelo, quiero ver otro completamente distinto.

Fui al cine el otro día. (Correct for past).

Iré al cine otro día. (Correct for future).

Finally, a subtle but common error is failing to use the definite article when 'otro' acts as a specific pronoun. If someone asks which shoe you want, and you want the specific alternative, you must say 'el otro' (the other one), not just 'otro' (another one). By remaining vigilant against these specific pitfalls—the 'un otro' trap, numeric misordering, confusion with 'diferente', and pronoun article omission—you will drastically improve the grammatical precision of your Spanish.

While 'otro' is the undisputed king of expressing 'another' or 'other' in Spanish, the language possesses a rich tapestry of nuanced alternatives and related vocabulary that allow for greater precision and stylistic variation. Understanding when to use 'otro' versus its linguistic cousins is a hallmark of an advanced speaker. One of the most frequently encountered related terms is 'demás'. While 'otro' refers to 'another' or 'other' in a general sense, 'demás' specifically means 'the rest' or 'the others' when referring to the remaining entirety of a specific group. For example, if you are handing out tests to a class, you might give one to Maria and say, 'y los demás son para el resto de la clase' (and the rest are for the remainder of the class). You would not use 'los otros' here unless you were contrasting two specific, distinct groups.

Yo me quedo aquí, los demás pueden irse.

Otro vs. Demás: 'Otro' means 'another' or 'other' (an alternative). 'Demás' means 'the rest' (the remaining entirety of a group).

Otro vs. Diferente: 'Otro' often implies an additional item of the same kind. 'Diferente' explicitly means something not the same, distinct in nature.

Otro vs. Nuevo: 'Otro' is just an alternative. 'Nuevo' implies the alternative is brand new or recently acquired.

Another crucial distinction lies between 'otro' and 'diferente' (different) or 'distinto' (distinct). If you are drinking a coffee and you want a second cup of the exact same coffee, you ask for 'otro café'. However, if the coffee tastes terrible and you want a completely different type of beverage, you might say 'quiero algo diferente' (I want something different). While 'otro' can sometimes imply difference depending on the context, 'diferente' and 'distinto' leave no room for ambiguity; they explicitly highlight a contrast in qualities or characteristics.

No debes meterte en problemas ajenos.

The word 'ajeno' is a fascinating alternative that translates roughly to 'belonging to another' or 'foreign to'. While you could technically say 'el problema de otro' (the problem of another), saying 'un problema ajeno' is much more elegant and native-sounding. It encapsulates the idea of 'otherness' specifically regarding possession or involvement. Furthermore, when discussing alternatives, the word 'alternativo' can sometimes replace 'otro' in formal or technical contexts, such as 'un plan alternativo' (an alternative plan) instead of 'otro plan'.

Tenemos que buscar una ruta alternativa por el tráfico.

Debes amar a tu prójimo como a ti mismo.

Este vestido es bonito, pero prefiero un estilo distinto.

By expanding your vocabulary to include 'demás', 'diferente', 'distinto', 'ajeno', and 'prójimo', you elevate your Spanish from merely functional to highly expressive. You will be able to articulate exactly what kind of 'other' you mean, whether it is the remainder of a group, a completely different item, someone else's property, or your fellow human being. This precision is what separates a beginner from a truly proficient speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because 'otro' comes from Latin 'alter', it is etymologically related to English words like 'alter', 'alternative', and 'altruism' (caring for the 'other'). It is also related to the psychological concept of an 'alter ego' (another I).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈo.tɾo/

US /ˈo.tɾo/

The stress falls on the first syllable: O-tro.

Rhymes With

roto moto foto voto loto noto devoto remoto terremoto

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' as the English diphthong 'oh' (ou). It must be a short, crisp 'o'.
Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration) like in English 'time'. Spanish 't' is unaspirated and dental.
Pronouncing the 'r' as the English hard 'r'. It must be a quick tap of the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
Saying 'un otro' instead of just 'otro'.
Forgetting to change the ending to match feminine or plural nouns (otra, otros, otras).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering gender/number agreement and avoiding 'un'.

Speaking 4/5

Hard for English speakers to break the habit of saying 'un otro' in real-time conversation.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced and frequently used, making it easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

el la un una este

Learn Next

demás diferente mismo nuevo vez

Advanced

ajeno prójimo alteridad otredad otrora

Grammar to Know

Gender and Number Agreement

Adjectives must match the noun. Otro libro (m.sg), otra casa (f.sg), otros libros (m.pl), otras casas (f.pl).

Omission of Indefinite Articles

Never use un/una before otro. Correct: Quiero otro. Incorrect: Quiero un otro.

Placement of Adjectives

Determiners like 'otro' almost always precede the noun. Otro día (correct) vs Día otro (incorrect).

Number Syntax

When combining with numbers, 'otro' comes first. Otros dos (correct) vs Dos otros (incorrect).

Correlative Conjunctions

Using paired words to contrast. Unos prefieren té, otros prefieren café.

Examples by Level

Quiero otro café, por favor.

I want another coffee, please.

Notice the absence of 'un' before 'otro'.

Necesito otra silla.

I need another chair.

'Otra' is feminine singular to match 'silla'.

¿Tienes otro bolígrafo?

Do you have another pen?

Used as a direct question for an alternative item.

Este pan está duro, quiero otro.

This bread is hard, I want another one.

'Otro' acts as a pronoun here, replacing 'otro pan'.

Vamos a otra tienda.

Let's go to another store.

Precedes the noun 'tienda'.

Tengo otros zapatos en casa.

I have other shoes at home.

Plural masculine form 'otros' matching 'zapatos'.

Ella tiene otra idea.

She has another idea.

Feminine singular agreement.

No me gusta este, dame el otro.

I don't like this one, give me the other one.

Using 'el otro' to specify 'the other one'.

Te vi en el parque el otro día.

I saw you in the park the other day.

'El otro día' is a fixed phrase for a recent past day.

Podemos ir al cine otro día.

We can go to the movies another day.

'Otro día' without 'el' refers to the future.

No quiero cometer el mismo error otra vez.

I don't want to make the same mistake again.

'Otra vez' translates to 'again' or 'another time'.

Necesitamos comprar otras dos botellas de agua.

We need to buy another two bottles of water.

Syntax rule: 'otras' comes before the number 'dos'.

Mi otro hermano vive en México.

My other brother lives in Mexico.

Combined with the possessive adjective 'mi'.

Estos pantalones son pequeños, ¿tienes otros?

These pants are small, do you have others?

'Otros' used as a plural pronoun.

Hay otra persona esperando en la puerta.

There is another person waiting at the door.

Used to indicate an additional person.

Ese es otro problema que tenemos que resolver.

That is another problem we have to solve.

Masculine singular agreement with 'problema'.

Unos prefieren la carne, otros prefieren el pescado.

Some prefer meat, others prefer fish.

Correlative pair 'unos... otros...' used for contrast.

Por otro lado, la tecnología tiene sus desventajas.

On the other hand, technology has its disadvantages.

Transitional phrase 'por otro lado'.

No hay otra alternativa en esta situación.

There is no other alternative in this situation.

Used to emphasize the lack of options.

Me gustaría escuchar otra opinión antes de decidir.

I would like to hear another opinion before deciding.

Feminine singular agreement with 'opinión'.

Esa chaqueta es bonita, pero la otra me queda mejor.

That jacket is pretty, but the other one fits me better.

'La otra' acts as a pronoun replacing 'la otra chaqueta'.

Pasamos de un tema a otro sin darnos cuenta.

We went from one topic to another without realizing it.

Phrase 'de un... a otro...' showing transition.

Cualquier otro día habría dicho que sí.

Any other day I would have said yes.

Combined with 'cualquier' (any).

Tengo que terminar esto para poder empezar lo otro.

I have to finish this to be able to start the other thing.

Using the neuter article 'lo' with 'otro' to mean 'the other thing/matter'.

En otras palabras, el proyecto ha sido cancelado.

In other words, the project has been canceled.

Idiomatic phrase 'en otras palabras' for summarizing.

Ningún otro candidato tiene tanta experiencia como ella.

No other candidate has as much experience as she does.

Combined with the negative determiner 'ningún'.

Es un artista que está a otro nivel.

He is an artist who is on another level.

Expression 'a otro nivel' indicating superior quality.

Esa es otra historia que te contaré mañana.

That is another story that I will tell you tomorrow.

Used to defer a long or complex topic.

No podemos depender de otros para solucionar nuestros problemas.

We cannot depend on others to solve our problems.

'Otros' used as a pronoun meaning 'other people'.

El debate se centró en un tema y luego derivó hacia otros asuntos.

The debate focused on one topic and then drifted toward other matters.

Plural masculine agreement with 'asuntos'.

Aparte de ese error, todo lo otro está perfecto.

Apart from that mistake, everything else is perfect.

'Lo otro' used to mean 'everything else' (neuter concept).

Se miraron el uno al otro en silencio.

They looked at each other in silence.

Reciprocal structure 'el uno al otro'.

Ese es otro cantar, no mezclemos los temas.

That's a different story, let's not mix the topics.

Idiom 'otro cantar' meaning a completely different matter.

Se fue al otro barrio tras una larga enfermedad.

He passed away (went to the other neighborhood) after a long illness.

Euphemism 'ir al otro barrio' meaning to die.

La empresa busca expandirse al otro lado del charco.

The company seeks to expand across the pond.

Idiom 'al otro lado del charco' referring to the Americas or Europe.

¡Otra que tal baila! Siempre llega tarde como su hermana.

She's just as bad! She always arrives late like her sister.

Colloquial expression indicating someone shares a negative trait.

Es menester considerar la perspectiva del otro en cualquier negociación.

It is necessary to consider the perspective of the other in any negotiation.

Formal use of 'el otro' as a conceptual counterpart.

No hay otro remedio que aceptar las consecuencias.

There is no other choice but to accept the consequences.

Fixed phrase 'no hay otro remedio'.

Su talento es de otro mundo, verdaderamente excepcional.

His talent is out of this world, truly exceptional.

Expression 'de otro mundo' for something extraordinary.

Entre pitos y flautas, se nos fue otro año.

What with one thing and another, another year slipped by.

Combined with the idiom 'entre pitos y flautas'.

La literatura contemporánea explora profundamente el concepto de la otredad.

Contemporary literature deeply explores the concept of otherness.

Use of the derived noun 'otredad' (otherness).

El autor se desdobla, creando un yo poético y un otro que lo observa.

The author splits himself, creating a poetic self and an 'other' that observes him.

Philosophical/literary use of 'un otro' as an entity.

Esa argumentación peca de falaz; vayamos a otra cosa mariposa.

That argument is fallacious; let's move on to something else.

Rhyming colloquialism 'a otra cosa mariposa' used in a high-register contrast.

La alteridad, o el reconocimiento del otro, es la base de la ética levinasiana.

Alterity, or the recognition of the other, is the basis of Levinasian ethics.

Academic context linking 'el otro' with 'alteridad'.

No es un mero epígono, sino un creador de otro cuño.

He is not a mere follower, but a creator of a different stamp.

High-register phrase 'de otro cuño' (of a different mold/stamp).

La dialéctica del amo y el esclavo requiere la existencia ineludible del otro.

The master-slave dialectic requires the inescapable existence of the other.

Philosophical absolute use of 'el otro'.

Borges jugaba constantemente con la idea del otro, el doble que nos acecha.

Borges constantly played with the idea of the other, the double that stalks us.

Literary analysis context.

Cualquier otra exégesis del texto resultaría anacrónica y espuria.

Any other exegesis of the text would be anachronistic and spurious.

Highly academic vocabulary combined with 'cualquier otra'.

Common Collocations

otro día

el otro día

otra vez

por otro lado

otra persona

otro lado

otra parte

en otras palabras

otro más

uno y otro

Common Phrases

el otro día

— A few days ago; recently. Used to refer to an unspecified day in the near past.

El otro día me encontré con tu hermano en el supermercado.

otra vez

— Again; another time. Used when an action is repeated.

¡No me digas que perdiste las llaves otra vez!

por otro lado

— On the other hand. Used to introduce a contrasting point or a different perspective.

El hotel es caro, pero por otro lado, está muy bien ubicado.

en otras palabras

— In other words. Used to clarify or summarize what has just been said.

No tenemos dinero; en otras palabras, no podemos ir de vacaciones.

otro gallo cantaría

— Things would be different. Used to express that under different circumstances, the outcome would change.

Si hubieras estudiado, otro gallo cantaría.

a otra cosa mariposa

— Let's move on to something else. A rhyming phrase used to change the subject quickly.

Ya terminamos este proyecto, así que a otra cosa mariposa.

ese es otro cantar

— That's a different story. Used to indicate that a new topic is completely different and usually more difficult.

Yo puedo cocinar pasta, pero hacer un pastel, ese es otro cantar.

el uno para el otro

— Made for each other. Used to describe a perfect romantic couple.

Juan y María son el uno para el otro.

al otro lado del charco

— Across the pond. Used to refer to the Americas from Europe, or Europe from the Americas.

Mi hermana vive al otro lado del charco, en Madrid.

pasar a otro nivel

— To go to the next level. Used to describe an improvement or escalation in a situation.

Con este nuevo software, nuestra empresa pasará a otro nivel.

Often Confused With

otro vs Diferente

'Otro' means another one (often of the same kind). 'Diferente' means something distinctly not the same.

otro vs Demás

'Otro' is just an alternative. 'Demás' refers to the entire rest of a specific group (the others).

otro vs Nuevo

'Otro' is another one. 'Nuevo' means it is brand new. 'Otro coche' (a second car) vs 'Un coche nuevo' (a brand new car).

Idioms & Expressions

"Ese es otro cantar"

— That is a completely different matter or story. It implies the new topic is more complex or distinct from the current one.

Aprobar el examen escrito es fácil, pero el oral es otro cantar.

informal

"A otra cosa, mariposa"

— Let's move on to the next thing. A playful rhyme used to abruptly change the subject or task.

Bueno, ya limpiamos la cocina. A otra cosa, mariposa.

informal/child_friendly

"Otro gallo cantaría"

— Things would be very different. Used in hypothetical situations to say the outcome would have been better.

Si el árbitro hubiera pitado la falta, otro gallo cantaría.

informal

"Irse al otro barrio"

— To pass away; to die. A colloquial euphemism for death.

El pobre perro estaba muy enfermo y se fue al otro barrio.

informal/slang

"Al otro lado del charco"

— Across the Atlantic Ocean. Used in Spain to refer to the Americas, and vice versa.

Tengo mucha familia viviendo al otro lado del charco, en Argentina.

informal

"No hay de otra"

— There is no other choice or alternative. Used when forced to accept a situation.

Tenemos que trabajar este fin de semana, no hay de otra.

informal

"Ser de otro mundo"

— To be out of this world; incredible. Used to praise something highly.

La comida en ese restaurante es de otro mundo.

neutral

"Dar el otro paso"

— To take the next step. Often used in the context of advancing a relationship or career.

Llevan cinco años de novios, ya es hora de dar el otro paso.

neutral

"Mirar para otro lado"

— To look the other way; to ignore something intentionally.

El gobierno no puede seguir mirando para otro lado ante la crisis.

neutral

"Estar en otro rollo"

— To be on a different vibe or doing one's own thing. Used to describe someone disconnected from the current situation.

No le hables de política a Carlos, él está en otro rollo.

slang

Easily Confused

otro vs Demás

Both translate to 'other' or 'others' in English.

'Otro' is used for an additional item or an alternative. 'Demás' is used with a definite article (los demás, las demás) to mean 'the rest' of a specific group. If you have 5 apples, eat 1, and want 1 more, you ask for 'otra'. If you want the remaining 3, you ask for 'las demás'.

Dame otra manzana, y guarda las demás.

otro vs Diferente

English speakers use 'another' and 'a different' interchangeably.

'Otro' implies an alternative, often identical to the first (another coffee). 'Diferente' explicitly states that the alternative has distinct qualities. If your shirt is dirty, you want 'otra camisa' (a clean one). If you hate the style, you want 'una camisa diferente'.

Quiero otro plato igual, no uno diferente.

otro vs Ajeno

Translates to 'other people's'.

'Otro' is a general determiner. 'Ajeno' is an adjective specifically indicating possession by someone else. You wouldn't say 'el coche de otro' as often as you would say 'un coche ajeno' in formal contexts.

No toques el dinero ajeno.

otro vs Mismo

Opposite concept, but used in similar syntactic structures.

'Mismo' means the same. 'Otro' means another. They are direct antonyms but follow similar placement rules before the noun.

No quiero el mismo libro, quiero otro.

otro vs Nuevo

Getting 'another' car often means getting a 'new' car.

'Nuevo' focuses on the age or recent acquisition of the item. 'Otro' just means it's an addition to what you had. You can buy 'otro coche viejo' (another old car).

Compré otro coche, pero no es nuevo.

Sentence Patterns

Quiero + otro/a + [noun].

Quiero otro café.

Necesito + otro/a + [noun].

Necesito otra silla.

El otro día + [past tense verb].

El otro día fui al parque.

No quiero + [infinitive] + otra vez.

No quiero llegar tarde otra vez.

Unos + [verb], otros + [verb].

Unos cantan, otros bailan.

Por otro lado, + [sentence].

Por otro lado, es muy caro.

En otras palabras, + [sentence].

En otras palabras, no funciona.

Ese es otro cantar.

Aprobar matemáticas es fácil, pero física, ese es otro cantar.

Word Family

Nouns

otredad (otherness)

alteridad (alterity)

Adjectives

otro (other/another)

otra (other/another)

otros (others)

otras (others)

alterar

alternativa

altruismo

ajeno

demás

How to Use It

frequency

Top 100 most common words in the Spanish language.

Common Mistakes

Quiero un otro café. → Quiero otro café.
English speakers translate 'another' literally as 'an other' (un otro). In Spanish, 'otro' already includes the indefinite article. Never use 'un' or 'una' before it.
Necesito dos otros boletos. → Necesito otros dos boletos.
In Spanish, the determiner 'otro' must always precede the number. You cannot say 'two others' (dos otros) before a noun; it must be 'others two' (otros dos).
Tengo otro cosa que hacer. → Tengo otra cosa que hacer.
Failing to match the gender. 'Cosa' is a feminine noun, so 'otro' must change to 'otra'. Always ensure gender agreement.
Fui al cine otro día. → Fui al cine el otro día.
When referring to a recent day in the past ('the other day'), you must include the definite article 'el'. 'Otro día' without 'el' refers to the future.
Juan y los otros estudiantes de la clase. → Juan y los demás estudiantes de la clase.
When referring to 'the rest' of a specific, defined group (the remainder of the class), 'demás' is much more accurate and natural than 'otros'.

Tips

The Golden Rule

Never, ever use 'un' or 'una' before 'otro'. Tattoo this on your brain. It is the most common mistake English speakers make.

Numbers Come Second

Always put 'otro' before the number. It is 'otros tres días' (another three days), not 'tres otros días'.

Otra Vez

Memorize 'otra vez' as a single chunk of vocabulary meaning 'again'. You will use it every single day.

Past vs Future

'El otro día' is for the past (the other day). 'Otro día' is for the future (another day). Don't mix them up!

Crisp Vowels

Pronounce the 'o's in 'otro' crisply. Do not drag them out into an English 'oh' sound. It should be short and sharp.

Match the Noun

Always check the gender and number of the noun you are modifying. 'Otro problema' (masculine), 'otra mano' (feminine).

Por otro lado

Use 'por otro lado' (on the other hand) to sound more fluent when presenting a contrasting idea in a discussion.

Survival Phrase

When shopping, if you don't like something, just point and say '¿Tiene otro?' (Do you have another one?). It works perfectly.

Otro Cantar

Drop the phrase 'ese es otro cantar' (that's another story) in an advanced conversation to impress native speakers.

Diferente vs Otro

Remember that 'otro' usually means one more of the same. If you want something completely different, use 'diferente'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an OSTRICH wanting ANOTHER OSTRICH friend. O-tro sounds a bit like the beginning of Ostrich. The Ostrich wants OTRO Ostrich.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'O' standing next to a giant blue 'O'. The red 'O' points to the blue 'O' and says 'OTRO' (the other O).

Word Web

otro otra otros otras otra vez otro día el otro nosotros (we - literally 'us others')

Challenge

Next time you are eating a meal with multiple pieces (like fries or grapes), every time you take a new one, say 'otro' (or 'otra' if the word is feminine like 'uva') out loud.

Word Origin

The word 'otro' descends directly from the Vulgar Latin word 'alteru', which itself comes from the Classical Latin 'alter'. In Latin, 'alter' specifically meant 'the other of two'. Over centuries of phonetic evolution on the Iberian Peninsula, the 'al' vocalized and merged, and the 't' remained, eventually softening into the modern Spanish 'otro'.

Original meaning: The other of two; a second one.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Spanish.

Cultural Context

When referring to marginalized groups, academic Spanish uses 'el otro' or 'la otredad' to discuss how society alienates them. Be aware that calling someone 'el otro' in a casual setting can sometimes sound dismissive, as if they are an outsider.

English speakers constantly struggle with 'un otro' because 'another' is literally 'an + other'. You must actively suppress the urge to translate 'an' when speaking Spanish.

The movie 'Los Otros' (The Others) directed by Alejandro Amenábar. The famous poem 'El Otro' by Jorge Luis Borges, where he meets an older version of himself. The song 'Otra Vez' by Zion & Lennox.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

otro café
otra servilleta
otro plato
otra cerveza

Shopping

otra talla
otro color
otro modelo
otra tienda

Scheduling

otro día
otra semana
otro momento
otra vez

Comparing Items

el otro
la otra
este no, el otro
otros dos

Telling Stories

el otro día
por otro lado
otra persona
en otras palabras

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez has viajado a otro país que te haya cambiado la vida?"

"Si pudieras vivir en otra época de la historia, ¿cuál elegirías y por qué?"

"¿Qué harías si te despertaras un día y fueras otra persona completamente distinta?"

"Cambiando a otro tema, ¿qué opinas sobre las nuevas películas de este año?"

"¿Crees que existe vida en otros planetas o estamos solos en el universo?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una vez que tomaste una decisión difícil y elegiste 'el otro camino'. ¿Qué pasó?

Describe 'el otro día' cuando tuviste una experiencia inesperada o sorprendente en tu ciudad.

Si pudieras aprender otro idioma además del español, ¿cuál sería y por qué lo elegirías?

Reflexiona sobre cómo te comportas con 'otras personas' cuando estás estresado frente a cuando estás feliz.

Imagina que tienes la oportunidad de vivir en otra ciudad por un año. ¿Dónde irías y qué harías?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, absolutely never. This is one of the strictest rules in Spanish. The word 'otro' already contains the meaning of 'a' or 'an'. Saying 'un otro' is grammatically incorrect and sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Always just say 'otro' or 'otra'.

To say 'the other one', you use the definite article before 'otro'. For a masculine object, say 'el otro'. For a feminine object, say 'la otra'. For example, if you are choosing between two shirts, you can point and say 'Prefiero la otra' (I prefer the other one).

The inclusion of the article 'el' changes the timeline. 'El otro día' translates to 'the other day' and refers to a recent, unspecified day in the past. 'Otro día' without the article refers to a future, unspecified day, like 'We will do it another day'.

Spanish syntax rules dictate that the determiner 'otro' must precede the number. While in English we can say 'another two' or 'two others', Spanish strictly requires 'otros + number + noun'. So, 'otros dos libros' is the only correct way to say 'another two books'.

Yes, 'otro' frequently functions as a pronoun, meaning it replaces the noun entirely. If someone asks if you want a specific apple, you can say 'No, quiero la otra' (No, I want the other one). The noun 'manzana' is understood from context.

The Spanish equivalent of the correlative pair 'some... others...' is 'unos... otros...'. For example, 'Unos prefieren la playa, otros prefieren la montaña' (Some prefer the beach, others prefer the mountains).

Yes, as a determiner, 'otro' almost exclusively goes before the noun. You say 'otro camino', never 'camino otro'. Placing it after the noun is extremely rare and only found in highly stylized, archaic poetry for dramatic effect.

'Otra vez' is a very common fixed expression that literally translates to 'another time', but it is the standard way to say 'again' in Spanish. If someone makes a mistake repeatedly, you might say '¡Lo hiciste otra vez!' (You did it again!).

Yes! The Spanish word for 'we' (nosotros) is actually a compound word made of 'nos' (us) and 'otros' (others). Literally, it means 'us others'. The same applies to 'vosotros' (you others).

Use 'demás' when you are referring to 'the rest' of a specific, defined group. If you have 10 students, and 2 leave, the remaining 8 are 'los demás'. Use 'otros' when you are just referring to alternative people or things in a general sense.