cien (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Cien" is a numeral in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "cien" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /sjen/.

Translation Options into English

The word "cien" translates to "one hundred" in English.

Meaning and Usage

"Cien" specifically refers to the numerical value of one hundred (100) in Spanish. It is commonly used in counting, indicating quantities, and in various numerical contexts.

Frequency of Use

"Cien" is frequently used in both oral and written contexts in Spanish. It appears often in educational settings, financial contexts, as well as in everyday conversations when discussing amounts, prices, or measurements.

Example Sentences

1. En la carrera, corrí cien metros y me sentí cansado.
   In the race, I ran one hundred meters and felt tired.

2. El dólar ha subido a cien pesos en el mercado.
   The dollar has risen to one hundred pesos in the market.

3. Necesito cien libros para el proyecto de la escuela.
   I need one hundred books for the school project.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "cien" is not typically used in many idiomatic expressions, it does appear in a few set phrases or common sayings in Spanish:

1. A cien por hora.
   At a hundred miles per hour.
   This expression usually refers to something happening very quickly.

2. Cien ojos ven más que dos.
   A hundred eyes see more than two.
   This phrase suggests that collective observation or input can lead to better understanding or insight.

3. A los cien años, cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor.
   At a hundred years old, any past time was better.
   This reflects the sentiment that older generations often romanticize the past.

Example Sentences for Idiomatic Expressions

1. El proyecto avanzó a cien por hora después de la reunión.
   The project progressed at a hundred miles per hour after the meeting.

2. Cien ojos ven más que dos, así que todos deberíamos dar nuestra opinión.
   A hundred eyes see more than two, so we should all share our opinion.

3. Mi abuela dice que a los cien años, cualquier tiempo pasado fue mejor.
   My grandmother says that at a hundred years old, any past time was better.

Etymology

The word "cien" comes from the Latin "centum," meaning "one hundred." Over time, the term evolved in the Romance languages, retaining its meaning and derivation.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Cien (being a numeral, it does not have direct synonyms, but can be expressed as "100").
• Centena (refers to a group of one hundred, though this is more about quantity).

Antonyms

• Cero (zero).
• Uno (one), when considering numerical opposition.

"Cien" serves as a fundamental component of Spanish numerical vocabulary and is integral in various contexts within the language.