Mastering “Trece”: How to Say 13 in Spanish

Learning to count in Spanish is a fundamental step in mastering the language. While the numbers one through ten are often the initial focus, understanding numbers like thirteen (“trece”) is crucial for everyday conversations, telling time, making purchases, and much more.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to saying and using “trece” in Spanish, covering its pronunciation, grammatical usage, common mistakes, and practical examples. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “trece” accurately and effectively.

This detailed exploration is designed for anyone learning Spanish, particularly beginners who are building their numerical vocabulary, as well as intermediate learners looking to refine their understanding of Spanish numbers in context. By the end of this article, you will have a solid grasp of how to use “trece” correctly in various situations and understand its role in the broader Spanish language.

Table of Contents

• Definition of “Trece”
• Pronunciation of “Trece”
• Structural Breakdown
• Grammatical Gender
• Using “Trece” in Sentences
• Counting
• Age
• Time
• Quantity
• Dates
• Addresses
• Phone Numbers
• Examples of “Trece” in Use
• Usage Rules for “Trece”
• Common Mistakes When Using “Trece”
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of “Trece”

In Spanish, “trece” is the number thirteen. It is a cardinal number, which means it represents quantity rather than order or position.

The word “trece” is used to count objects, indicate age, express time, and denote numerical values in various contexts. Understanding this fundamental definition is vital for practical communication in Spanish.

Cardinal numbers like “trece” are the building blocks for more complex numerical expressions. They are essential for basic arithmetic, telling time, stating dates, and providing addresses.

Mastering “trece” allows you to engage in simple transactions, schedule appointments, and understand numerical information presented in Spanish.

Pronunciation of “Trece”

The pronunciation of “trece” is relatively straightforward for English speakers. The word is pronounced as “TREH-seh”. Here’s a breakdown:

• Tre: Pronounced like “Treh,” with a short “e” sound similar to the “e” in “bed.”
• ce: Pronounced like “seh,” with a short “e” sound and a soft “s” sound, similar to the “s” in “see.”

Pay attention to the stress, which falls on the first syllable (“Tre”). Practicing the pronunciation aloud will help solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.

Listening to native Spanish speakers pronounce “trece” can also be beneficial.

Structural Breakdown

The number “trece” is part of a series of numbers in Spanish that follow a specific pattern. The numbers eleven through fifteen (“once,” “doce,” “trece,” “catorce,” “quince”) have unique names, but after fifteen, the numbers begin to follow a more regular pattern based on the tens and units.

Understanding this structural relationship can help you learn and remember other numbers in Spanish more easily.

Here’s how “trece” fits into the numerical structure:

• Diez (10): The base number for the teens.
• Trece (13): An independent word, not directly derived from “diez” + “tres.”
• Dieciséis (16): A combination of “diez” and “seis” (six).

While “trece” doesn’t directly reflect a combination of “diez” and “tres,” it’s important to recognize that it belongs to this numerical group. After “quince,” the numbers are formed by compounding “diez” (ten) with the appropriate unit (e.g., “dieciséis” = ten + six).

Grammatical Gender

Unlike nouns, which have grammatical gender (masculine or feminine), numbers like “trece” are generally considered gender-neutral. They do not change their form based on the gender of the noun they modify.

This simplifies their usage compared to adjectives or articles, which must agree in gender with the noun they describe.

For example, you would say “trece libros” (thirteen books) regardless of whether “libros” was considered masculine or feminine (it is masculine). The number “trece” remains constant.

Using “Trece” in Sentences

“Trece” is used in various contexts, similar to how “thirteen” is used in English. Here are some common scenarios:

Counting

When counting objects, “trece” is used to quantify the number of items. It is a direct representation of the quantity thirteen.

Example: “Tengo trece manzanas.” (I have thirteen apples.)

Spanish	English
Trece libros	Thirteen books
Trece coches	Thirteen cars
Trece casas	Thirteen houses
Trece estudiantes	Thirteen students
Trece perros	Thirteen dogs
Trece gatos	Thirteen cats
Trece pájaros	Thirteen birds
Trece flores	Thirteen flowers
Trece árboles	Thirteen trees
Trece sillas	Thirteen chairs
Trece mesas	Thirteen tables
Trece ordenadores	Thirteen computers
Trece teléfonos	Thirteen telephones
Trece ventanas	Thirteen windows
Trece puertas	Thirteen doors
Trece camisas	Thirteen shirts
Trece pantalones	Thirteen pants
Trece zapatos	Thirteen shoes
Trece sombreros	Thirteen hats
Trece bufandas	Thirteen scarves
Trece calcetines	Thirteen socks
Trece guantes	Thirteen gloves
Trece abrigos	Thirteen coats
Trece chaquetas	Thirteen jackets
Trece faldas	Thirteen skirts

Age

When stating someone’s age, “trece” is used with the verb “tener” (to have).

Example: “Tengo trece años.” (I am thirteen years old.)

Spanish	English
Él tiene trece años.	He is thirteen years old.
Ella tiene trece años.	She is thirteen years old.
Mi hermano tiene trece años.	My brother is thirteen years old.
Mi hermana tiene trece años.	My sister is thirteen years old.
Mi hijo tiene trece años.	My son is thirteen years old.
Mi hija tiene trece años.	My daughter is thirteen years old.
El niño tiene trece años.	The boy is thirteen years old.
La niña tiene trece años.	The girl is thirteen years old.
Este estudiante tiene trece años.	This student is thirteen years old.
Ese chico tiene trece años.	That boy is thirteen years old.
Aquella chica tiene trece años.	That girl (over there) is thirteen years old.
Mi primo tiene trece años.	My cousin is thirteen years old.
Mi prima tiene trece años.	My cousin (female) is thirteen years old.
El vecino tiene trece años.	The neighbor is thirteen years old.
La vecina tiene trece años.	The neighbor (female) is thirteen years old.
Este joven tiene trece años.	This young man is thirteen years old.
Esa joven tiene trece años.	That young woman is thirteen years old.
Mi sobrino tiene trece años.	My nephew is thirteen years old.
Mi sobrina tiene trece años.	My niece is thirteen years old.
Él ya tiene trece años.	He is already thirteen years old.

Time

When telling time, “trece” can be used in the context of military time or to specify a particular hour in relation to another time.

Example: “Son las trece horas.” (It is 1 PM – thirteen hours.)

Spanish	English
El tren sale a las trece horas.	The train leaves at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La reunión es a las trece y treinta.	The meeting is at 1:30 PM (thirteen thirty).
Llegaré a las trece en punto.	I will arrive at 1 PM (thirteen o’clock) sharp.
El vuelo aterriza a las trece horas.	The flight lands at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La tienda cierra a las trece.	The store closes at 1 PM (thirteen).
Tenemos una cita a las trece.	We have an appointment at 1 PM (thirteen).
La película empieza a las trece horas.	The movie starts at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
El almuerzo es a las trece.	Lunch is at 1 PM (thirteen).
El programa comienza a las trece horas.	The program begins at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La cita médica es a las trece.	The doctor’s appointment is at 1 PM (thirteen).
El espectáculo empieza a las trece horas.	The show starts at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La clase termina a las trece.	The class ends at 1 PM (thirteen).
El concierto empieza a las trece horas.	The concert starts at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La entrega es a las trece.	The delivery is at 1 PM (thirteen).
Debemos estar allí a las trece horas.	We should be there at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La recepción es a las trece.	The reception is at 1 PM (thirteen).
El partido empieza a las trece horas.	The game starts at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La conferencia es a las trece.	The conference is at 1 PM (thirteen).
El evento empieza a las trece horas.	The event starts at 1 PM (thirteen hours).
La subasta comienza a las trece.	The auction begins at 1 PM (thirteen).

Quantity

“Trece” is used to specify the amount of something.

Example: “Compré trece boletos.” (I bought thirteen tickets.)

Spanish	English
Necesito trece huevos.	I need thirteen eggs.
Hay trece personas en la fiesta.	There are thirteen people at the party.
Tengo trece dólares.	I have thirteen dollars.
El paquete pesa trece kilos.	The package weighs thirteen kilos.
Hemos invitado a trece amigos.	We have invited thirteen friends.
El libro tiene trece capítulos.	The book has thirteen chapters.
Necesitamos trece sillas más.	We need thirteen more chairs.
Hay trece mesas en el restaurante.	There are thirteen tables in the restaurant.
En el edificio hay trece apartamentos.	There are thirteen apartments in the building.
El equipo ganó trece partidos.	The team won thirteen games.
Compré trece rosas.	I bought thirteen roses.
Hay trece coches en el aparcamiento.	There are thirteen cars in the parking lot.
Recibí trece cartas.	I received thirteen letters.
El proyecto necesita trece días.	The project needs thirteen days.
Tenemos trece empleados nuevos.	We have thirteen new employees.
En la caja hay trece lápices.	In the box, there are thirteen pencils.
El jardín tiene trece árboles.	The garden has thirteen trees.
Preparé trece galletas.	I prepared thirteen cookies.
Hay trece estudiantes en la clase.	There are thirteen students in the class.
En la granja hay trece ovejas.	On the farm, there are thirteen sheep.

Dates

While less common, “trece” can appear in dates, especially when referring to the thirteenth day of the month.

Example: “El trece de mayo.” (The thirteenth of May.)

Addresses

“Trece” can be part of an address.

Example: “Vivo en la calle Principal, número trece.” (I live on Main Street, number thirteen.)

Phone Numbers

“Trece” may appear in phone numbers.

Example: “Mi número de teléfono es 555-123-4513.” (My phone number is 555-123-4513.)

Examples of “Trece” in Use

Here are additional examples of how “trece” is used in various contexts:

• “Trece personas asistieron a la reunión.” (Thirteen people attended the meeting.)
• “El número trece es considerado de mala suerte por algunos.” (The number thirteen is considered unlucky by some.)
• “Necesito trece dólares para comprar el libro.” (I need thirteen dollars to buy the book.)
• “El edificio tiene trece pisos.” (The building has thirteen floors.)
• “Trece menos cinco es ocho.” (Thirteen minus five is eight.)

Usage Rules for “Trece”

The usage of “trece” is generally straightforward, but here are some key rules to keep in mind:

• Agreement: “Trece” does not change based on the gender or number of the nouns it modifies. It remains constant.
• Placement: “Trece” usually precedes the noun it modifies, similar to English. For example, “trece casas” (thirteen houses).
• Context: The meaning of “trece” is always the number thirteen, but its application varies depending on the context.

There are no major exceptions or special cases when using “trece.” It behaves like other cardinal numbers in Spanish.

Common Mistakes When Using “Trece”

One common mistake is confusing “trece” with other similar-sounding numbers or mispronouncing it. Here are some examples of common errors and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“Trece añoses”	“Trece años”	“Años” is already plural, no need to add “es” to “trece”.
“Trece manzanases”	“Trece manzanas”	“Manzanas” is already plural, no need to add “es” to “trece”.
“Treces libros”	“Trece libros”	“Trece” does not change to plural form.
“Trece euroses”	“Trece euros”	“Euros” is already plural, no need to add “es” to “trece”.
“Trece chico”	“Trece chicos”	The noun must be plural to match the number.
“Trece casa”	“Trece casas”	The noun must be plural to match the number.
“Trece día”	“Trece días”	The noun must be plural to match the number.
“Trece persona”	“Trece personas”	The noun must be plural to match the number.
“Trece cosa”	“Trece cosas”	The noun must be plural to match the number.
“Trece problema”	“Trece problemas”	The noun must be plural to match the number.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “trece” with these practice exercises:

1. Translate: Thirteen cats.
2. Translate: I am thirteen years old.
3. Translate: The train leaves at 1 PM.
4. Translate: I bought thirteen tickets.
5. Translate: The thirteenth of May.
6. Translate: I live on Main Street, number thirteen.
7. Write out the number: 13
8. Complete the sentence: Tengo ____ años. (I am thirteen years old.)
9. Complete the sentence: Necesito ____ huevos. (I need thirteen eggs.)
10. Use “trece” in a sentence about the number of students in a class.

Answers:

1. Trece gatos.
2. Tengo trece años.
3. El tren sale a las trece horas.
4. Compré trece boletos.
5. El trece de mayo.
6. Vivo en la calle Principal, número trece.
7. Trece
8. Tengo trece años.
9. Necesito trece huevos.
10. Hay trece estudiantes en la clase.

More Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct Spanish translation of the number thirteen:

1. Hay _______ libros en la estantería. (There are thirteen books on the shelf.)
2. Ella tiene _______ años. (She is thirteen years old.)
3. El vuelo sale a las _______ horas. (The flight leaves at thirteen hours.)
4. Compré _______ manzanas en el mercado. (I bought thirteen apples at the market.)
5. Mi casa está en el número _______. (My house is at number thirteen.)
6. Necesito _______ bolígrafos para la clase. (I need thirteen pens for the class.)
7. El grupo tiene _______ miembros. (The group has thirteen members.)
8. ______ de octubre es mi cumpleaños. (Thirteenth of October is my birthday.)
9. Tengo _______ euros en mi cartera. (I have thirteen euros in my wallet.)
10. _______ personas vinieron a la fiesta. (Thirteen people came to the party.)

Answers:

1. Hay trece libros en la estantería.
2. Ella tiene trece años.
3. El vuelo sale a las trece horas.
4. Compré trece manzanas en el mercado.
5. Mi casa está en el número trece.
6. Necesito trece bolígrafos para la clase.
7. El grupo tiene trece miembros.
8. Trece de octubre es mi cumpleaños.
9. Tengo trece euros en mi cartera.
10. Trece personas vinieron a la fiesta.

Translate the following sentences into Spanish, using “trece” where appropriate:

1. I have thirteen cousins.
2. The movie theater has thirteen rows of seats.
3. They need thirteen more chairs for the event.
4. My nephew is thirteen years old.
5. The package weighs thirteen kilograms.
6. The recipe calls for thirteen grams of salt.
7. The store has thirteen different flavors of ice cream.
8. Thirteen students failed the exam.
9. The team scored thirteen points in the first quarter.
10. I found thirteen seashells on the beach.

Answers:

1. Tengo trece primos.
2. El cine tiene trece filas de asientos.
3. Necesitan trece sillas más para el evento.
4. Mi sobrino tiene trece años.
5. El paquete pesa trece kilogramos.
6. La receta requiere trece gramos de sal.
7. La tienda tiene trece sabores diferentes de helado.
8. Trece estudiantes reprobaron el examen.
9. El equipo anotó trece puntos en el primer cuarto.
10. Encontré trece conchas marinas en la playa.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, the number “trece” can be explored in more complex contexts, such as idioms, cultural references, and historical uses. For example, in some cultures, the number thirteen is associated with bad luck, while in others, it may have a different significance.

Understanding these nuances can enrich your appreciation of the Spanish language and culture.

You can also explore ordinal numbers related to “trece,” such as “decimotercero” (thirteenth), which is used to indicate position or order.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you pronounce “trece” in Spanish?

   It is pronounced as “TREH-seh”, with the stress on the first syllable.

2. Is “trece” masculine or feminine?

   Numbers like “trece” are generally gender-neutral and do not change based on the gender of the noun they modify.

3. How do you say “thirteen years old” in Spanish?

   You say “Tengo trece años.”

4. What is the ordinal number for “trece”?

   The ordinal number for “trece” is “decimotercero” (thirteenth).

5. Can “trece” be used in dates?

   Yes, it can be used to refer to the thirteenth day of the month, such as “el trece de mayo” (the thirteenth of May).

6. How is “trece” used in telling time?

   In military time, “trece” refers to 1 PM. For example, “Son las trece horas” (It is 1 PM).

7. Are there any idioms that use the number “trece” in Spanish?

   While there aren’t very common idioms specifically using “trece,” the number thirteen itself carries some cultural weight. In Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th is often considered a day of bad luck, similar to Friday the 13th in English-speaking cultures. This belief doesn’t necessarily translate into specific idioms, but it’s a relevant cultural association.

8. Is the number thirteen considered unlucky in Spanish-speaking countries?

   Yes, in many Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th (martes trece) is considered a day of bad luck. This is similar to the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th in English-speaking cultures. The origin of this superstition is debated, but it is a widespread belief.

Conclusion

Understanding how to say and use “trece” in Spanish is a crucial step to becoming proficient in the language. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of its pronunciation, grammatical usage, and practical applications.

By mastering this fundamental number, you will be able to communicate more effectively in everyday situations, from counting objects to stating your age.

Remember to practice the pronunciation and usage of “trece” regularly to reinforce your learning. Pay attention to the context in which it is used and avoid common mistakes.

With consistent effort, you will be able to confidently and accurately use “trece” in your Spanish conversations. Keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary, and you’ll be well on your way to fluency!