The ordinal numbers in Spanish
¡Hola, estudiantes de español! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into ordinal numbers (los números ordinales), which help us describe order or position—like “first,” “second,” or “third.” These are essential for talking about dates, rankings, and sequences. Let’s make it simple for A1 learners!
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers indicate position (e.g., first place, third chapter). In Spanish, they agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). Here’s your list from 1st to 10th:
Key Rules to Remember
Shortened Forms for Masculine Nouns:
Primero → primer (before masculine singular nouns).
El primer día (The first day).
Tercero → tercer (before masculine singular nouns).
El tercer libro (The third book).
For feminine nouns, use the full form:
La primera vez (The first time).
La tercera página (The third page).
Plural Forms:
Add -os (masculine) or -as (feminine):Los primeros días (The first days).
Las segundas opciones (The second options).
When to Use Ordinal Numbers
Dates: Only the first day of the month uses an ordinal:
Hoy es el primero de enero (Today is January 1st).
For other days, use cardinal numbers: el dos de enero (January 2nd).
Rankings & Order:
Ella llegó en segundo lugar (She arrived in second place).
Vivo en el quinto piso (I live on the fifth floor).
Chapters, Floors, and More:
El séptimo capítulo (The seventh chapter).
La décima pregunta (The tenth question).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing Cardinals and Ordinals:
❌ Piso cinco → ✔️ Quinto piso (for formal contexts).
Note: In Spain, floors often use cardinal numbers (la primera planta = first floor).
Forgetting Gender/Number:
❌ El primer semana → ✔️ La primera semana.
Click here to practice the ordinal numbers
Final Tips
Ordinals beyond 10th (e.g., 11th = undécimo) are less common in daily speech—cardinals often replace them.
Listen for ordinals in sports, dates, or instructions!
¡Muy bien! 🎉 Now you’re ready to use ordinal numbers like a pro. Keep practicing, and soon they’ll feel natural. ¡Hasta la próxima! 😊
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