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"Quinto" is a form of "quinto", an adjective which is often translated as "fifth". "Tercero" is an adjective which is often translated as "third". Learn more about the difference between "tercero" and "quinto" below.
tercero(
tehr
-
seh
-
roh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
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).
masculine or feminine noun
a. third
Soy la tercera en fila para pagar.I'm third in line to pay.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
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.
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).
adverb
a. third
Tercero, debes llegar a tiempo.Third, you must arrive on time.
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quinto(
keen
-
toh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. fifth
Llegar en quinto lugar es mejor que llegar de último.Coming in fifth place is better than finishing last.
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).
masculine or feminine noun
a. fifth
Soy el quinto en la lista de espera.I'm fifth on the waiting list.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. fifth
Un quinto del alumnado está enfermo.One-fifth of the student body is sick.
4. (military)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. conscript
La mayoría de las tropas son quintos.The majority of the troops are conscripts.
b. draftee
Fue a la guerra de Vietnam como quinto.He went to the war in Vietnam as a draftee.
a. small bottle of beer
Estar en Murcia y no parar para tomarse un quinto es un pecado.To be in Murcia and not stop to drink a small bottle of beer is a sin.
a. five cents
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
Ese cuate tacaño no te prestará ni un quinto.That cheap guy won't even lend you five cents.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. fifth
Quinto, agrega el aceite y mezcla.Fifth, add the oil and mix.
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