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"Raya" is a form of "raya", a noun which is often translated as "line". "Paréntesis" is a noun which is often translated as "parenthesis". Learn more about the difference between "paréntesis" and "raya" below.
el paréntesis(
pah
-
rehn
-
teh
-
sees
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. parenthesis
¿Escribo la temperatura en Fahrenheit entre paréntesis o corchetes?Should I write the temperature in Fahrenheit in parentheses or brackets?
b. bracket (round) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Escribí mi nombre completo y a continuación mi apodo entre paréntesis.I wrote my full name, followed by my nickname in brackets.
a. digression
El economista hizo un paréntesis en su presentación para explicar las causas de la crisis.The economist made a digression in his presentation to explain the causes of the crisis.
b. parenthesis
Luego del paréntesis en el cual hizo una broma, el profesor retomó el tema de la filosofía existencial.After the parenthesis in which he made a joke, the professor got back to the subject of existential philosophy.
3. (pause)
a. break
Hagamos un paréntesis para ir a comprar un café y luego continuamos con la clase.Let's take a break and go for coffee, and then we'll continue with class.
b. interval
Tras un breve paréntesis, el pianista continuó con los ejercicios.After a brief interval, the pianist continued with his exercises.
la raya(
rrah
-
yah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (stroke)
a. part (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La raya del cabello la tengo al costado derecho.The part in my hair is on the right side.
b. parting (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Ya no está muy de moda que los hombres tengan una raya al medio.It's not really in fashion anymore for men to have a centre parting.
a. crease
¿Quiere que le deje una raya al pantalón cuando lo planche?Do you want me to leave a crease in the pants when I iron them?
6. (slang) (dose of drugs)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).