Catorce is the cardinal number representing the quantity 14. It is used in counting and can also indicate a position in a sequence (e.g., the fourteenth).
In the Spanish language, catorce is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts, but it is seen more often in spoken language due to its basic nature as a numeral.
Example Sentences
Hay catorce estudiantes en la clase.
There are fourteen students in the class.
Mi hermano cumple catorce años este mes.
My brother turns fourteen years old this month.
Compré catorce manzanas en el mercado.
I bought fourteen apples at the market.
Idiomatic Expressions
While catorce itself is not commonly associated with idiomatic expressions, it may appear in some contexts related to dates or quantities. Below are some sentences that include numerical idiomatic expressions.
Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions
Estuvo en el catorce y no se dio cuenta.
He was lost and didn't realize he was on the fourteen (indicating he missed something significant).
Entre catorce y dieciséis, es una buena edad para aprender a manejar.
Between fourteen and sixteen is a good age to learn how to drive.
Los jugadores del equipo se sintieron catorce veces más motivados después de la victoria.
The players of the team felt fourteen times more motivated after the victory.
Etymology
The word catorce comes from the Latin "quattuordecim," which is a combination of "quattuor" (four) and "decem" (ten). This formation reflects its mathematical construction as a number that is ten plus four.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: None specific to the number, but in contexts where counting is used, terms like "el cuatro más diez" (four plus ten) may be used, though they are not direct synonyms.
Antonyms: As a numeral, catorce does not have an antonym; however, in counting, it is preceded by trece (thirteen) and followed by quince (fifteen).