Spanish Ordinal Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Spanish ordinal numbers is crucial for expressing sequence, order, and rank. These numbers, which indicate position rather than quantity, are frequently used in dates, addresses, competitions, and various other contexts.

Mastering ordinal numbers enhances your ability to communicate precisely and effectively in Spanish. This comprehensive guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a foundational understanding to advanced speakers aiming to refine their usage.

It provides a detailed overview, numerous examples, practical exercises, and answers to common questions, ensuring a solid grasp of this essential aspect of Spanish grammar.

This article provides a detailed exploration of Spanish ordinal numbers, covering their formation, usage, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a student, a traveler, or simply a language enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently and accurately use ordinal numbers in Spanish.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Spanish Ordinal Numbers
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Ordinal Numbers
• Examples of Ordinal Numbers
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Spanish Ordinal Numbers

Spanish ordinal numbers (números ordinales) indicate the position or order of something in a sequence. Unlike cardinal numbers (uno, dos, tres), which denote quantity, ordinal numbers specify rank (primero, segundo, tercero). They are used to describe where something falls in a series, such as the first place in a race, the second chapter of a book, or the third day of the month. Ordinal numbers are adjectives, meaning they modify nouns and must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe.

In Spanish, the ordinal numbers from primero (first) to décimo (tenth) are commonly used. Beyond tenth, it’s more common to use cardinal numbers, though ordinal forms exist. For example, instead of saying “vigésimo primero” (twenty-first), you’d typically say “el número veintiuno” (the number twenty-one). However, knowing the ordinal forms beyond tenth is still valuable for understanding more formal or literary contexts.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of Spanish ordinal numbers is relatively straightforward, especially for the first ten. They are formed differently from cardinal numbers and have specific endings that indicate their ordinal nature.

Understanding these structural elements helps in recognizing and using ordinal numbers correctly. The first ten ordinal numbers have unique forms, while numbers beyond that often involve combining ordinal and cardinal elements, though, as mentioned, cardinals are far more common after tenth.

The key structural aspect to remember is the agreement with the noun. Ordinal numbers must agree in gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) with the noun they modify. This is achieved by changing the ending of the ordinal number. For example, primer is used before a singular masculine noun, while primera is used before a singular feminine noun.

Gender and Number Agreement

As mentioned, ordinal numbers function as adjectives, and like all Spanish adjectives, they must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. Here’s a breakdown of how this agreement works:

• Masculine Singular: Use the standard form of the ordinal number (e.g., primer).
• Feminine Singular: Change the “-o” ending to “-a” (e.g., primera).
• Masculine Plural: Add “-s” to the masculine singular form (e.g., primeros).
• Feminine Plural: Add “-s” to the feminine singular form (e.g., primeras).

For example:

• El primer libro (The first book – masculine singular)
• La primera casa (The first house – feminine singular)
• Los primeros días (The first days – masculine plural)
• Las primeras semanas (The first weeks – feminine plural)

Apocopation of Primero and Tercero

The ordinal numbers primero and tercero undergo apocopation, meaning they drop their final “-o” when they precede a singular masculine noun. This is a common feature in Spanish grammar, where certain words are shortened for euphonic reasons.

• Primero becomes primer before a singular masculine noun.
• Tercero becomes tercer before a singular masculine noun.

For example:

• El primer piso (The first floor)
• El tercer hombre (The third man)

However, if the noun is feminine, the full forms primera and tercera are used:

• La primera vez (The first time)
• La tercera opción (The third option)

Types of Ordinal Numbers

While the most common ordinal numbers are those from first to tenth, it’s helpful to understand the forms beyond tenth, even if they are used less frequently. We can categorize them into basic ordinal numbers (1st-10th), compound ordinal numbers (11th-19th), and higher ordinal numbers (20th and beyond).

Though, again, remember that using cardinal numbers is far more common after tenth.

Basic Ordinal Numbers (1st – 10th)

These are the most frequently used ordinal numbers and have unique forms:

• 1st: Primero (Primer before a masculine singular noun) / Primera
• 2nd: Segundo / Segunda
• 3rd: Tercero (Tercer before a masculine singular noun) / Tercera
• 4th: Cuarto / Cuarta
• 5th: Quinto / Quinta
• 6th: Sexto / Sexta
• 7th: Séptimo / Séptima
• 8th: Octavo / Octava
• 9th: Noveno / Novena (or Nono / Nona, less common)
• 10th: Décimo / Décima

Compound Ordinal Numbers (11th – 19th)

These are formed by combining décimo with the corresponding cardinal number:

• 11th: Décimo primero / Décima primera (or Undécimo / Undécima, less common)
• 12th: Décimo segundo / Décima segunda (or Duodécimo / Duodécima, less common)
• 13th: Décimo tercero / Décima tercera
• 14th: Décimo cuarto / Décima cuarta
• 15th: Décimo quinto / Décima quinta
• 16th: Décimo sexto / Décima sexta
• 17th: Décimo séptimo / Décima séptima
• 18th: Décimo octavo / Décima octava
• 19th: Décimo noveno / Décima novena

Higher Ordinal Numbers (20th and Beyond)

These are formed similarly to the compound ordinal numbers, using the corresponding tens and units. However, as mentioned before, using cardinal numbers is far more common in everyday speech and writing.

• 20th: Vigésimo / Vigésima
• 21st: Vigésimo primero / Vigésima primera
• 30th: Trigésimo / Trigésima
• 40th: Cuadragésimo / Cuadragésima
• 50th: Quincuagésimo / Quincuagésima
• 60th: Sexagésimo / Sexagésima
• 70th: Septuagésimo / Septuagésima
• 80th: Octogésimo / Octogésima
• 90th: Nonagésimo / Nonagésima
• 100th: Centésimo / Centésima
• 1000th: Milésimo / Milésima

Examples of Ordinal Numbers

This section provides extensive examples of Spanish ordinal numbers in various contexts, demonstrating their usage and agreement with nouns. Understanding these examples will solidify your comprehension of how to use ordinal numbers correctly and naturally.

Dates

Ordinal numbers are commonly used when specifying the first day of the month. For the remaining days, cardinal numbers are generally used. For example, “the first of May” is “el primero de mayo,” while “the second of May” is “el dos de mayo.”

The following table shows examples of dates using ordinal numbers:

Date	Spanish
The first of January	El primero de enero
The first of February	El primero de febrero
The first of March	El primero de marzo
The first of April	El primero de abril
The first of May	El primero de mayo
The first of June	El primero de junio
The first of July	El primero de julio
The first of August	El primero de agosto
The first of September	El primero de septiembre
The first of October	El primero de octubre
The first of November	El primero de noviembre
The first of December	El primero de diciembre
The second of January	El dos de enero
The third of January	El tres de enero
The fourth of July	El cuatro de julio
The fifth of August	El cinco de agosto
The tenth of December	El diez de diciembre
The twenty-first of March	El veintiuno de marzo
The thirtieth of April	El treinta de abril
The thirty-first of May	El treinta y uno de mayo
The second of February	El dos de febrero
The third of March	El tres de marzo
The fourth of April	El cuatro de abril
The fifth of May	El cinco de mayo

Competitions and Rankings

Ordinal numbers are frequently used to indicate positions in competitions, races, and rankings. They clearly express who came first, second, third, and so on.

Here are some examples of using ordinal numbers in the context of competitions:

English	Spanish
She won first place.	Ella ganó el primer lugar.
He came in second place.	Él llegó en segundo lugar.
They finished in third place.	Ellos terminaron en tercer lugar.
Our team is in fourth place.	Nuestro equipo está en cuarto lugar.
He finished fifth.	Él terminó quinto.
She was sixth in the race.	Ella fue sexta en la carrera.
He achieved seventh position.	Él logró la séptima posición.
Our team is in eighth place.	Nuestro equipo está en octavo lugar.
He finished ninth.	Él terminó noveno.
She was tenth in the race.	Ella fue décima en la carrera.
He finished eleventh.	Él terminó décimo primero.
She was twelfth in the race.	Ella fue décima segunda en la carrera.
He finished thirteenth.	Él terminó décimo tercero.
She was fourteenth in the race.	Ella fue décima cuarta en la carrera.
He finished fifteenth.	Él terminó décimo quinto.
She was sixteenth in the race.	Ella fue décima sexta en la carrera.
He finished seventeenth.	Él terminó décimo séptimo.
She was eighteenth in the race.	Ella fue décima octava en la carrera.
He finished nineteenth.	Él terminó décimo noveno.
She was twentieth in the race.	Ella fue vigésima en la carrera.

Book Chapters and Sections

When referring to chapters or sections in a book, ordinal numbers are used to indicate the sequence. This helps readers easily locate specific parts of the text.

The table below provides examples of how ordinal numbers are used when referring to book chapters and sections:

English	Spanish
Chapter One	Capítulo Primero
Chapter Two	Capítulo Segundo
Chapter Three	Capítulo Tercero
Section Four	Sección Cuarta
Section Five	Sección Quinta
The sixth chapter is very interesting.	El capítulo sexto es muy interesante.
We are in the seventh section.	Estamos en la séptima sección.
The eighth chapter is the longest.	El capítulo octavo es el más largo.
Read the ninth section carefully.	Lee la novena sección con cuidado.
The tenth chapter is the conclusion.	El capítulo décimo es la conclusión.
Chapter Eleven	Capítulo Décimo Primero
Chapter Twelve	Capítulo Décimo Segundo
Chapter Thirteen	Capítulo Décimo Tercero
Section Fourteen	Sección Décima Cuarta
Section Fifteen	Sección Décima Quinta
Chapter Sixteen	Capítulo Décimo Sexto
Chapter Seventeen	Capítulo Décimo Séptimo
Chapter Eighteen	Capítulo Décimo Octavo
Section Nineteen	Sección Décima Novena
Section Twenty	Sección Vigésima

Floors in Buildings

Ordinal numbers are used to specify the floor of a building. In Spanish-speaking countries, the ground floor is often referred to as the “planta baja,” and the floors above are numbered using ordinal numbers.

Here are some examples of using ordinal numbers to indicate floors in buildings:

English	Spanish
First floor	El primer piso (or El piso primero)
Second floor	El segundo piso (or El piso segundo)
Third floor	El tercer piso (or El piso tercero)
Fourth floor	El cuarto piso (or El piso cuarto)
Fifth floor	El quinto piso (or El piso quinto)
Sixth floor	El sexto piso (or El piso sexto)
Seventh floor	El séptimo piso (or El piso séptimo)
Eighth floor	El octavo piso (or El piso octavo)
Ninth floor	El noveno piso (or El piso noveno)
Tenth floor	El décimo piso (or El piso décimo)
Eleventh floor	El décimo primer piso (or El piso décimo primero)
Twelfth floor	El décimo segundo piso (or El piso décimo segundo)
Thirteenth floor	El décimo tercer piso (or El piso décimo tercero)
Fourteenth floor	El décimo cuarto piso (or El piso décimo cuarto)
Fifteenth floor	El décimo quinto piso (or El piso décimo quinto)
Twentieth floor	El vigésimo piso (or El piso vigésimo)
Thirtieth floor	El trigésimo piso (or El piso trigésimo)
Fortieth floor	El cuadragésimo piso (or El piso cuadragésimo)
Fiftieth floor	El quincuagésimo piso (or El piso quincuagésimo)
Sixtieth floor	El sexagésimo piso (or El piso sexagésimo)

Usage Rules

Proper usage of Spanish ordinal numbers involves understanding their agreement with nouns and knowing when to use them instead of cardinal numbers. While the basic rules are straightforward, there are nuances that can affect the accuracy and fluency of your Spanish.

The most important rule is to remember gender and number agreement.

Agreement with Nouns

As previously mentioned, ordinal numbers must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. This is a fundamental rule that applies to all adjectives in Spanish.

Pay close attention to the gender and number of the noun to ensure the correct form of the ordinal number is used.

For example:

• La primera oportunidad (The first opportunity – feminine singular)
• Los primeros días (The first days – masculine plural)

Use in Dates

In Spanish, ordinal numbers are only used for the first day of the month. For all other days, cardinal numbers are used.

This is a specific rule that distinguishes the usage of ordinal numbers in dates.

For example:

• El primero de mayo (The first of May)
• El dos de mayo (The second of May)

Numbers Beyond Tenth

While ordinal numbers exist for numbers beyond tenth, it is much more common to use cardinal numbers in everyday speech and writing. Using ordinal numbers beyond tenth can sound overly formal or even archaic in some contexts.

Therefore, it’s generally best to stick to cardinal numbers for these higher numbers.

For example, instead of saying “el vigésimo primer aniversario” (the twenty-first anniversary), it is more common to say “el aniversario número veintiuno” (the anniversary number twenty-one).

Common Mistakes

Learners often make predictable mistakes when using Spanish ordinal numbers. Recognizing these common errors can help you avoid them and improve your accuracy.

The most frequent mistakes involve gender agreement and using ordinal numbers incorrectly in dates or for higher numbers.

Here are some common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
El primera día	El primer día	Incorrect gender agreement. Día is masculine, so use primer.
La primero semana	La primera semana	Incorrect gender agreement. Semana is feminine, so use primera.
El dos de primero	El primero de dos or El dos de enero	Incorrect word order and usage. For the first day of the month, use “el primero de [month]”. For the second of january, use “El dos de enero”.
El vigésimo primer libro (when speaking informally)	El libro número veintiuno	Using ordinal numbers beyond tenth can sound overly formal. Use cardinal numbers instead.
Los primer libros	Los primeros libros	Missing plural agreement. The noun is plural, so the ordinal number must be plural as well.
La primer libros	Los primeros libros	Incorrect gender and plural agreement. The noun is masculine plural, so the ordinal number must be masculine plural as well.
El tercero casa	La tercera casa	Incorrect gender agreement. Casa is feminine, so use tercera.
La tercer opción	La tercera opción	Tercer is only used before masculine singular nouns.
El quinto hora	La quinta hora	Incorrect gender agreement. Hora is feminine, so use quinta.
La quinto sección	La quinta sección	Incorrect gender agreement. Sección is feminine, so use quinta.

Practice Exercises

These exercises will help you practice using Spanish ordinal numbers correctly. They cover various aspects of ordinal number usage, including gender agreement, use in dates, and choosing between ordinal and cardinal numbers.

Complete each exercise and check your answers to reinforce your understanding.

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the ordinal number in Spanish.

1. Hoy es el ___________ de mayo. (primero)
2. Ella vive en el ___________ piso. (tercero)
3. Este es mi ___________ intento. (quinto)
4. Estamos leyendo la ___________ lección. (séptimo)
5. Él ganó el ___________ lugar. (segundo)
6. Es la ___________ vez que lo digo. (primero)
7. El ___________ capítulo es el más interesante. (décimo)
8. Ella es la ___________ estudiante de la clase. (primero)
9. Este es el ___________ libro de la serie. (cuarto)
10. Estamos en la ___________ semana del curso. (octavo)

Answers:

1. primero
2. tercer
3. quinto
4. séptima
5. segundo
6. primera
7. décimo
8. primera
9. cuarto
10. octava

Translation

Translate the following sentences into Spanish using ordinal numbers.

1. The first day of the week is Monday.
2. She lives on the second floor.
3. This is the third time I’ve seen this movie.
4. He won the fourth prize.
5. We are studying the fifth lesson.
6. The tenth chapter is the conclusion.
7. It’s the first time I’ve tried this dish.
8. She is the second daughter in the family.
9. This is the seventh wonder of the world.
10. They are in the ninth grade.

Answers:

1. El primer día de la semana es lunes.
2. Ella vive en el segundo piso.
3. Esta es la tercera vez que veo esta película.
4. Él ganó el cuarto premio.
5. Estamos estudiando la quinta lección.
6. El décimo capítulo es la conclusión.
7. Es la primera vez que pruebo este plato.
8. Ella es la segunda hija en la familia.
9. Esta es la séptima maravilla del mundo.
10. Ellos están en el noveno grado.

Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to ordinal number usage.

1. El primera de enero es año nuevo.
2. Ella vive en la segundo piso.
3. Este es mi quinto intento.
4. Estamos leyendo el séptima lección.
5. Él ganó el segundo lugar.
6. Es la primero vez.
7. El décimo capítulo es muy largo.
8. Ella es la primero mejor estudiante.
9. Este es el cuarto libro.
10. Estamos en la octavo semana.

Answers:

1. El primero de enero es año nuevo.
2. Ella vive en el segundo piso.
3. Correct
4. Estamos leyendo la séptima lección.
5. Correct
6. Es la primera vez.
7. Correct
8. Ella es la primera mejor estudiante.
9. Correct
10. Estamos en la octava semana.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and less common usages of Spanish ordinal numbers can further refine their language skills. This includes exploring the use of ordinal numbers beyond tenth in formal contexts and understanding the historical evolution of these numbers.

Formal and Literary Usage

In formal writing and literary contexts, ordinal numbers beyond tenth are sometimes used, although it is still more common to use cardinal numbers. Recognizing these forms can enhance your comprehension of more complex texts.

For example, in a historical document, you might encounter “el vigésimo quinto aniversario” (the twenty-fifth anniversary) instead of “el aniversario número veinticinco.”

Historical Evolution

The evolution of Spanish ordinal numbers reflects broader trends in the development of the Spanish language. Understanding the historical roots of these numbers can provide insights into their current forms and usages.

For instance, the ordinal numbers undécimo and duodécimo, while less common today, were more frequently used in the past and are derived from Latin roots.

FAQ

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Spanish ordinal numbers, providing clear and concise answers to common queries. These questions and answers aim to clarify any remaining uncertainties and provide additional guidance.

1. Q: When should I use ordinal numbers instead of cardinal numbers in Spanish?
   A: Use ordinal numbers to indicate position or rank in a sequence. For example, use them for the first day of the month, positions in a competition, or chapters in a book. For numbers beyond tenth, it is generally more common to use cardinal numbers.
2. Q: How do I make sure my ordinal numbers agree with the nouns they modify?
   A: Ensure that the ordinal number matches the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun. Change the ending of the ordinal number accordingly.
3. Q: Why do primero and tercero sometimes change to primer and tercer?
   A: Primero and tercero undergo apocopation and drop their final “-o” when they precede a singular masculine noun. This is a common feature in Spanish grammar for euphonic reasons.
4. Q: Are ordinal numbers really used beyond tenth?
   A: Yes, ordinal numbers exist for numbers beyond tenth, but they are less commonly used in everyday speech and writing. It is generally more common to use cardinal numbers for these higher numbers.
5. Q: How do I say “the 21st of May” in Spanish?
   A: You would say “el veintiuno de mayo.” Note that only the first day of the month uses an ordinal number (el primero de mayo).
6. Q: What’s the difference between noveno and nono?
   A: Both noveno and nono mean “ninth,” but noveno is the more common and preferred form. Nono is less frequently used.
7. Q: Is it wrong to use ordinal numbers beyond tenth?
   A: While not technically incorrect, using ordinal numbers beyond tenth can sound overly formal or archaic in many contexts. It is generally better to use cardinal numbers for clarity and naturalness.
8. Q: How do I form compound ordinal numbers like “eleventh” or “twelfth”?
   A: While undécimo and duodécimo exist, the most common way to form these is by using “décimo primero” and “décimo segundo“, respectively. Again, remember that using cardinal numbers is far more common in everyday speech and writing.

Conclusion

Mastering Spanish ordinal numbers is essential for accurately expressing sequence, rank, and order. By understanding their formation, agreement rules, and appropriate usage, you can significantly enhance your communication skills in Spanish.

Remember to pay close attention to gender and number agreement, and be mindful of the context in which you are using ordinal numbers, especially beyond tenth.

This comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge, examples, and practice exercises needed to confidently use Spanish ordinal numbers. Continue practicing and incorporating them into your everyday conversations and writing to further solidify your understanding.

By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate various situations where ordinal numbers are required, making your Spanish more precise and nuanced. Good luck with your language learning journey!