How to use fractions and multiplicatives in Spanish?

Fractions and multiplicatives are number expressions beyond cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers that you need to know to master Spanish. In this post we’re going to focus on these expressions and how to use them as nouns and adjectives. Not sure about what these numbers are? Look at the examples below to have a better idea:

If you need a refresher on cardinal and ordinal numbers in Spanish, check out: “Numbers in Spanish: How to form and write them?” Now, let’s go over how to make fractions and multiplicatives in Spanish.

They refer to fractions of a segmentable unit. They can be used as nouns or as adjectives. Let’s see each case in detail.

Here’s a useful table with fractions in Spanish:

*From here onwards, you can make the fractions by adding the suffix -avo for nouns and -ava for adjectives.

Multiplicatives express the result of multiplying a quantity by a natural number. For example, when we say: doble (meaning double), triple (meaning triple), cuádruple (meaning quadruple), etc. They can also be used as nouns or adjectives in Spanish.

Here’s a useful table with multiplicatives in Spanish:

As a small present for you, let me add a few collective numerals. These are numbers that mean that several persons or objects are grouped together.

Pay attention to their endings: the ones ending in -a are feminine, as in, una decena (meaning ten), and the ones ending in -r are masculine, as in, un par (meaning a couple).

Some common collective numerals in Spanish are:

• un par (meaning a couple, a pair)
• una decena (meaning ten)
• una docena (meaning a dozen)
• una quincena (meaning fifteen)
• una veintena (meaning twenty)
• una treintena (meaning thirty)
• un centenar / una centena (meaning one hundred)
• un millar (meaning one thousand)

Let’s see an example:

All these collective numerals can be pluralized in Spanish when we use cardinal numbers beyond one:

Numbers are used all the time, but with ordinals, fractions, multiplicatives, and collective numerals, the lower numbers are used a lot more frequently than the higher ones. Also, remember that fractions and multiplicatives can be used as nouns or adjectives. So, when used as nouns, don’t forget the article in front and, when used as adjectives, don’t forget to do the agreement with the noun they modify. That’s it on numbers! Don’t forget to check out our activities to continue practicing your Spanish skills!