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"Tercero" is an adjective which is often translated as "third", and "a" is a preposition which is often translated as "to". Learn more about the difference between "tercero" and "a" below.
tercero(
tehr
-
seh
-
roh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. third
Por tercera vez, ¿puedes bajar el volumen de la música?For the third time, can you turn the music down?
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. third party
Publica un aviso para asegurarnos de que no afectemos a ningún tercero con este juicio.Publish a notice to make sure we don't affect any third party with this suit.
4. (arbitrator)
a. mediator
El contrato dicta que se solicite un tercero para resolver cualquier conflicto.The contract dictates that a mediator be requested to resolve any potential dispute.
b. arbitrator
El sindicato y la gerencia se trajeron un tercero para llegar a un acuerdo.The union and management brought in an arbitrator in order to reach an agreement.
a. go-between
Él usaba el limpiabotas como tercero para llevar notas a su amante.He used the shoeshine as a go-between to take notes to his lover.
b. matchmaker
Le encanta jugar el papel de tercero con sus amigos.He loves playing the role of matchmaker with his friends.
c. procurer (illicit activity)
Cuando Hugh se encuentra en Manchester, visita a su tercero favorito.Whenever Hugh is in Manchester, he visits his favorite procurer.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a, la a(
ah
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Podía respirar a duras penas.He was hardly able to breathe.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡A fregar los platos!Go do the dishes!
¡A la cama!Off to bed!
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me encantaría ganar dinero a espuertas.I would love to earn lots of money.
Llovía a cántaros.It was pouring.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
An abbreviation is the shortened form of a word or group of words (e.g., "UFO" = "unidentified flying object"; "p." = "page").
a. A
El circuito transporta una corriente de 1 A.The circuit carries a current of 1 A.
La intensidad de la corriente eléctrica se mide en A.The intensity of an electric current is measured in A.
