How to Say “Quote” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to accurately and effectively use quotations is an essential aspect of mastering any language, and Spanish is no exception. Knowing the different ways to say “quote” in Spanish, along with the nuances of their usage, allows you to enhance your communication skills and express yourself with greater precision.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a language enthusiast, this guide will provide you with the necessary tools to confidently handle quotations in Spanish. This article covers the various translations of “quote” in Spanish, their grammatical functions, and ample examples to illustrate their proper use.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use quotations effectively in Spanish.

This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, who wish to improve their command of the Spanish language. It will be particularly helpful for those who need to cite sources in academic writing, engage in professional correspondence, or simply enrich their everyday conversations.

With detailed explanations, practical examples, and interactive exercises, this article will empower you to confidently navigate the world of quotations in Spanish.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Quote”
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories of “Quote” in Spanish
   • Cita – Citation
   • Comillas – Quotation Marks
   • Cotización – Price Quote
   • Entrecomillar – To Put in Quotation Marks
5. Examples of “Quote” in Spanish
   • Examples using Cita
   • Examples using Comillas
   • Examples using Cotización
   • Examples using Entrecomillar
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “Quote”

The English word “quote” has several meanings, and translating it into Spanish requires understanding the specific context. Generally, “quote” can refer to a passage taken directly from someone else’s work or speech (a citation), the quotation marks used to enclose such a passage, or a price estimate for a service or product.

Therefore, the Spanish translation varies depending on which meaning is intended.

In Spanish, the primary translations of “quote” are cita, comillas, and cotización. Cita refers to a direct quotation or citation, often used in academic or formal contexts. Comillas refers to the quotation marks themselves, which are used to enclose the quoted material. Cotización, on the other hand, is used to refer to a price quote, as in a business or commercial transaction. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate communication.

Furthermore, the verb “to quote” can be translated as citar (to cite), or entrecomillar (to put in quotation marks). The choice between these options depends on whether you are referring to the act of citing someone’s words or the act of placing those words within quotation marks. Each of these terms has its specific uses and connotations, which we will explore in detail in the following sections.

Structural Breakdown

The Spanish language, like English, relies on grammatical structures to convey meaning effectively. When dealing with quotations, several structural elements come into play.

These include the use of verbs of attribution, punctuation, and the placement of quotations within sentences and paragraphs. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Verbs of Attribution: These verbs introduce the quote and attribute it to the original speaker or author. Common verbs include decir (to say), afirmar (to affirm), explicar (to explain), escribir (to write), and señalar (to point out). The choice of verb can influence the tone and impact of the quote.

2. Punctuation: Proper punctuation is essential for clarity. In Spanish, quotation marks (comillas) are used to enclose direct quotes. The punctuation rules may differ slightly from English, such as the placement of commas and periods relative to the quotation marks.

3. Sentence Structure: The way you structure a sentence around a quote can affect its emphasis. You can place the attribution before, during, or after the quote. Each placement can highlight different aspects of the statement.

4. Indirect Speech: Instead of direct quotations, you can use indirect speech (reported speech), which involves paraphrasing the original statement. In this case, you’ll need to use conjunctions like que (that) and adjust the verb tenses accordingly.

Understanding these structural elements will enable you to integrate quotations seamlessly into your Spanish writing and speech. The following sections will provide more detailed examples and guidelines.

Types and Categories of “Quote” in Spanish

As mentioned earlier, the word “quote” has multiple meanings, each with its corresponding translation in Spanish. Here’s a breakdown of the different types and categories:

Cita – Citation

Cita refers to a direct quotation or citation, primarily used in academic and formal contexts. It involves reproducing someone else’s words exactly as they were spoken or written, and attributing them to the original source. This is commonly used in essays, research papers, and legal documents.

Comillas – Quotation Marks

Comillas refers to the quotation marks themselves, which are used to enclose direct quotations. In Spanish, the most common type of quotation marks is the double quotation mark (” “), but single quotation marks (‘ ‘) are also used, typically for quotes within quotes. Spanish also uses angle quotes (« »), which are less common in modern usage but still appear in some publications.

Cotización – Price Quote

Cotización refers to a price quote or estimate for a product or service. This term is used in business and commercial contexts, such as when requesting a price from a supplier or providing a cost estimate to a client. It’s important to distinguish this meaning from the other types of “quote,” as it relates specifically to financial matters.

Entrecomillar – To Put in Quotation Marks

Entrecomillar is a verb that means “to put in quotation marks.” It describes the act of enclosing a word, phrase, or sentence within quotation marks to indicate that it is a direct quote, a special term, or an ironic expression. This verb is particularly useful when discussing the mechanics of quoting.

Examples of “Quote” in Spanish

To solidify your understanding, let’s explore various examples of how to use each of these terms in context. The following tables provide a range of sentences illustrating the proper usage of cita, comillas, cotización, and entrecomillar.

Examples using Cita

The following table shows examples of how to use the word “cita” (citation) in different sentences. Notice how it is used to refer to a direct quotation from a source.

English	Spanish
The professor asked us to include a quote from the author.	El profesor nos pidió que incluyéramos una cita del autor.
This quote perfectly illustrates the author’s point of view.	Esta cita ilustra perfectamente el punto de vista del autor.
I need to find a quote to support my argument.	Necesito encontrar una cita para apoyar mi argumento.
The book is full of quotes from famous philosophers.	El libro está lleno de citas de filósofos famosos.
He began his speech with a quote from Abraham Lincoln.	Comenzó su discurso con una cita de Abraham Lincoln.
The article includes a quote from a leading expert in the field.	El artículo incluye una cita de un experto destacado en el campo.
She always uses quotes to make her arguments more persuasive.	Ella siempre usa citas para hacer sus argumentos más persuasivos.
The lawyer used a quote from the constitution to defend his client.	El abogado usó una cita de la constitución para defender a su cliente.
That quote is so powerful that it moved the entire audience.	Esa cita es tan poderosa que conmovió a toda la audiencia.
Always remember to properly attribute each quote.	Siempre recuerda atribuir correctamente cada cita.
The student included several quotes in his research paper.	El estudiante incluyó varias citas en su trabajo de investigación.
The documentary features quotes from various historical figures.	El documental presenta citas de varias figuras históricas.
The politician’s speech was filled with inspirational quotes.	El discurso del político estaba lleno de citas inspiradoras.
The author used a quote from Shakespeare to introduce the chapter.	El autor usó una cita de Shakespeare para introducir el capítulo.
The presentation included a quote from Marie Curie about perseverance.	La presentación incluyó una cita de Marie Curie sobre la perseverancia.
He uses quotes to add depth and credibility to his writing.	Él usa citas para añadir profundidad y credibilidad a su escritura.
The article analyzes various quotes from famous authors.	El artículo analiza varias citas de autores famosos.
It is important to verify the accuracy of each quote.	Es importante verificar la exactitud de cada cita.
Many people find comfort and wisdom in famous quotes.	Muchas personas encuentran consuelo y sabiduría en citas famosas.
She often shares her favorite quotes on social media.	A menudo comparte sus citas favoritas en las redes sociales.
His arguments were strengthened by the inclusion of relevant quotes.	Sus argumentos se fortalecieron con la inclusión de citas relevantes.
The speaker cited a powerful quote to inspire the audience.	El orador citó una cita poderosa para inspirar a la audiencia.
Quotes from historical figures are often used in political speeches.	Citas de figuras históricas se utilizan a menudo en discursos políticos.
The essay opened with an intriguing quote to capture the reader’s attention.	El ensayo comenzó con una cita intrigante para captar la atención del lector.

Examples using Comillas

The following table shows examples of how to use the word “comillas” (quotation marks) in different sentences. Notice how it is used to refer to symbols used to indicate a direct quote.

English	Spanish
You should put the direct quote in quotation marks.	Debes poner la cita directa entre comillas.
The word “hello” is written in quotation marks.	La palabra “hola” está escrita entre comillas.
He forgot to close the quotation marks at the end of the sentence.	Olvidó cerrar las comillas al final de la oración.
In Spanish, we use different types of quotation marks.	En español, usamos diferentes tipos de comillas.
The title of the book is written in quotation marks.	El título del libro está escrito entre comillas.
She emphasized the word by putting it in quotation marks.	Ella enfatizó la palabra poniéndola entre comillas.
The use of quotation marks indicates a direct quote.	El uso de comillas indica una cita directa.
Be careful to use the correct quotation marks.	Ten cuidado de usar las comillas correctas.
The sentence is incomplete because the quotation marks are missing.	La oración está incompleta porque faltan las comillas.
The software automatically adds quotation marks when you paste text.	El software añade automáticamente las comillas cuando pegas texto.
He used single quotation marks for the quote within a quote.	Usó comillas simples para la cita dentro de una cita.
The author used quotation marks to indicate irony.	El autor usó comillas para indicar ironía.
The editor corrected the type of quotation marks used in the article.	El editor corrigió el tipo de comillas utilizadas en el artículo.
Make sure to open and close quotation marks properly.	Asegúrate de abrir y cerrar las comillas correctamente.
She forgot to put quotation marks around the dialogue.	Olvidó poner comillas alrededor del diálogo.
The quotation marks make it clear that these are not his own words.	Las comillas dejan claro que estas no son sus propias palabras.
The instructions explain how to use different types of quotation marks.	Las instrucciones explican cómo usar diferentes tipos de comillas.
He used quotation marks to highlight the importance of the word.	Usó comillas para resaltar la importancia de la palabra.
The punctuation should be placed correctly in relation to the quotation marks.	La puntuación debe colocarse correctamente en relación con las comillas.
The student learned the rules for using quotation marks in academic writing.	El estudiante aprendió las reglas para usar comillas en la escritura académica.
Quotation marks are essential for avoiding plagiarism.	Las comillas son esenciales para evitar el plagio.
The text was confusing because the quotation marks were misplaced.	El texto era confuso porque las comillas estaban mal colocadas.
The editor added quotation marks to clarify that the words were a direct quote.	El editor agregó comillas para aclarar que las palabras eran una cita directa.
The proper use of quotation marks enhances the clarity of the text.	El uso adecuado de las comillas mejora la claridad del texto.

Examples using Cotización

The following table shows examples of how to use the word “cotización” (price quote) in different sentences. Notice how it is used to refer to the estimated cost of a product or service.

English	Spanish
I need to get a quote for the repair of my car.	Necesito obtener una cotización para la reparación de mi coche.
The company sent me a detailed price quote.	La empresa me envió una cotización detallada.
Can you give me a quote for painting the house?	¿Puedes darme una cotización para pintar la casa?
We received several quotes from different contractors.	Recibimos varias cotizaciones de diferentes contratistas.
The quote includes the cost of materials and labor.	La cotización incluye el costo de los materiales y la mano de obra.
The customer asked for a quote before agreeing to the service.	El cliente pidió una cotización antes de aceptar el servicio.
The quote is valid for 30 days.	La cotización es válida por 30 días.
They offered us a very competitive quote.	Nos ofrecieron una cotización muy competitiva.
We are waiting for the quote to make a decision.	Estamos esperando la cotización para tomar una decisión.
The quote must be approved by the manager.	La cotización debe ser aprobada por el gerente.
The insurance company provided a quote for the car.	La compañía de seguros proporcionó una cotización para el coche.
He requested a quote for the design services.	Solicitó una cotización para los servicios de diseño.
The quote was too high, so we looked for another option.	La cotización era demasiado alta, así que buscamos otra opción.
The quotation included all taxes and fees.	La cotización incluía todos los impuestos y tarifas.
The quote was free, so we decided to request it.	La cotización era gratuita, así que decidimos solicitarla.
The store provided a quote for the custom-made furniture.	La tienda proporcionó una cotización para los muebles hechos a medida.
The quote specified the delivery date.	La cotización especificaba la fecha de entrega.
We compared the quotes from different suppliers.	Comparamos las cotizaciones de diferentes proveedores.
The quote included a discount for bulk orders.	La cotización incluía un descuento por pedidos al por mayor.
Always read the fine print in the quote before agreeing.	Siempre lee la letra pequeña en la cotización antes de aceptar.
The company revised the quote to include additional services.	La empresa revisó la cotización para incluir servicios adicionales.
The quote was sent to the client for approval.	La cotización fue enviada al cliente para su aprobación.
The contractor refused to honor the original quote.	El contratista se negó a respetar la cotización original.
The quote was based on the current market prices.	La cotización se basó en los precios actuales del mercado.

Examples using Entrecomillar

The following table shows examples of how to use the word “entrecomillar” (to put in quotation marks) in different sentences. Notice how this is a verb, describing the act of adding quotation marks.

English	Spanish
You need to put that phrase in quotation marks.	Necesitas entrecomillar esa frase.
The professor asked us to quote the text correctly.	El profesor nos pidió que entrecomilláramos el texto correctamente.
I will put the important words in quotation marks.	Voy a entrecomillar las palabras importantes.
She decided to put the title of the poem in quotation marks.	Ella decidió entrecomillar el título del poema.
Don’t forget to put the direct quote in quotation marks.	No olvides entrecomillar la cita directa.
The speaker put the key words in quotation marks for emphasis.	El orador entrecomilló las palabras clave para dar énfasis.
The editor instructed him to put the slang words in quotation marks.	El editor le indicó que entrecomillara las palabras de jerga.
It’s important to put technical terms in quotation marks.	Es importante entrecomillar los términos técnicos.
The software automatically puts the selected text in quotation marks.	El software automáticamente entrecomilla el texto seleccionado.
He put the ironic comment in quotation marks to make it clear.	Él entrecomilló el comentario irónico para que quedara claro.
The students were asked to put the definitions in quotation marks.	Se les pidió a los estudiantes que entrecomillaran las definiciones.
The author put the foreign words in quotation marks.	El autor entrecomilló las palabras extranjeras.
Make sure to put the title of the article in quotation marks.	Asegúrate de entrecomillar el título del artículo.
They decided to put the controversial statement in quotation marks.	Decidieron entrecomillar la declaración controvertida.
You should put the proverb in quotation marks.	Deberías entrecomillar el proverbio.
The teacher told them to put the quote from the book in quotation marks.	El profesor les dijo que entrecomillaran la cita del libro.
We need to put the name of the project in quotation marks.	Necesitamos entrecomillar el nombre del proyecto.
She put the informal expression in quotation marks to show she didn’t approve.	Ella entrecomilló la expresión informal para mostrar que no aprobaba.
The instructions explain when to put words in quotation marks.	Las instrucciones explican cuándo entrecomillar las palabras.
He put the phrase “easy money” in quotation marks to indicate sarcasm.	Él entrecomilló la frase “dinero fácil” para indicar sarcasmo.
The article explains why it is important to put certain words in quotation marks.	El artículo explica por qué es importante entrecomillar ciertas palabras.
The software can automatically put the selected text in quotation marks.	El software puede entrecomillar automáticamente el texto seleccionado.
The design requires that we put all the titles in quotation marks.	El diseño requiere que entrecomillemos todos los títulos.
She decided to put the entire sentence in quotation marks.	Ella decidió entrecomillar toda la oración.

Usage Rules

Understanding the usage rules for quotations in Spanish is crucial for clear and accurate communication. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:

1. Direct Quotations: Always enclose direct quotations within quotation marks (comillas). Use double quotation marks (” “) as the primary type, and single quotation marks (‘ ‘) for quotes within quotes. In some publications, angle quotes (« ») may be used.

2. Attribution: Clearly attribute the quote to the original speaker or author. Use verbs of attribution such as decir, afirmar, explicar, escribir, or señalar. The attribution can come before, during, or after the quote, depending on the desired emphasis.

3. Punctuation: In Spanish, punctuation typically goes outside the quotation marks, unlike in English. For example: “Hola,” dijo Juan. (“Hello,” said Juan.)

4. Indirect Speech: When using indirect speech, introduce the paraphrased statement with the conjunction que (that). Adjust the verb tenses accordingly to reflect the past tense. For example: Juan dijo que estaba cansado. (Juan said that he was tired.)

5. Omissions: If you need to omit part of a quote, use ellipses (…) to indicate the missing text. Be careful not to distort the original meaning of the quote.

6. Quotations within Quotations: Use single quotation marks (‘ ‘) to enclose a quote within a quote. This helps to distinguish the nested quote from the main quote.

7. Long Quotations: For quotations that are longer than a few lines, it is common to indent the quote and use a smaller font size instead of using quotation marks. This visually separates the quote from the main text.

8. Price Quotes: When referring to a price quote (cotización), be sure to specify the currency and any relevant terms and conditions. Include details such as the validity period, payment terms, and scope of work.

Common Mistakes

Even experienced learners can make mistakes when using quotations in Spanish. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

1. Incorrect Punctuation: Placing punctuation inside the quotation marks, as is common in English, is a frequent mistake in Spanish. Remember that punctuation typically goes outside the quotation marks.

2. Missing Attribution: Failing to attribute the quote to the original speaker or author is a serious error, especially in academic writing. Always provide proper attribution to avoid plagiarism.

3. Incorrect Verb Tenses: When using indirect speech, forgetting to adjust the verb tenses is a common mistake. Make sure to shift the verb tenses appropriately to reflect the past tense.

4. Misusing Quotation Marks: Using quotation marks incorrectly, such as for emphasis or to indicate uncertainty, can confuse readers. Use quotation marks only for direct quotations, titles, or special terms.

5. Confusing Cita and Cotización: Using cita when you mean cotización (or vice versa) can lead to misunderstandings. Remember that cita refers to a direct quotation, while cotización refers to a price quote.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“Hola”. dijo Juan.	“Hola,” dijo Juan.	Punctuation should be placed outside the quotation marks.
La cotización de Shakespeare es muy famosa.	La cita de Shakespeare es muy famosa.	Cita should be used for a direct quotation, not cotización.
Juan dijo que está cansado.	Juan dijo que estaba cansado.	In indirect speech, the verb tense should be adjusted to the past tense.

Practice Exercises

Test your knowledge with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate Spanish word or phrase (cita, comillas, cotización, entrecomillar) and make any necessary adjustments to the sentence structure.

1. Necesito una __________ para arreglar mi coche.
2. El profesor nos pidió que pusiéramos la __________ del autor entre __________.
3. Voy a __________ las palabras importantes en mi ensayo.
4. Ella siempre usa __________ de autores famosos para apoyar sus argumentos.
5. No olvides cerrar las __________ al final de la oración.
6. La __________ incluye el costo de los materiales y la mano de obra.
7. El abogado usó una __________ de la constitución para defender a su cliente.
8. Debes __________ esa frase para indicar que no es tuya.
9. Estamos esperando la __________ para tomar una decisión sobre el proyecto.
10. Él __________ el comentario irónico para que no hubiera confusiones.

Answer Key:

1. cotización
2. cita, comillas
3. entrecomillar
4. citas
5. comillas
6. cotización
7. cita
8. entrecomillar
9. cotización
10. entrecomilló

More Exercises:

Translate the following sentences into Spanish, paying close attention to the correct use of quotations and attribution.

1. The teacher said, “The homework is due on Friday.”
2. I need a quote for the renovation of my apartment.
3. She always puts the titles of her essays in quotation marks.
4. The book is full of quotes from ancient philosophers.
5. He forgot to open the quotation marks at the beginning of the sentence.
6. The company sent me a detailed price quote for the services.
7. The lawyer used a quote from the Supreme Court to support his argument.
8. You should put that expression in quotation marks to indicate irony.
9. We are waiting for the quote to make a decision about the project.
10. He put the sarcastic comment in quotation marks so that there would be no confusion.

Answer Key:

1. La profesora dijo: “La tarea se entrega el viernes.”
2. Necesito una cotización para la renovación de mi apartamento.
3. Ella siempre pone los títulos de sus ensayos entre comillas.
4. El libro está lleno de citas de filósofos antiguos.
5. Él olvidó abrir las comillas al principio de la oración.
6. La empresa me envió una cotización detallada por los servicios.
7. El abogado usó una cita de la Corte Suprema para apoyar su argumento.
8. Deberías entrecomillar esa expresión para indicar ironía.
9. Estamos esperando la cotización para tomar una decisión sobre el proyecto.
10. Él entrecomilló el comentario sarcástico para que no hubiera confusiones.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are several more complex aspects of using quotations in Spanish to explore:

1. Literary Quotations: In literary analysis, understanding the nuances of quoting poetry, prose, and drama is essential. This involves paying attention to rhythm, meter, and the author’s intent.

2. Historical Quotations: When quoting historical figures, it’s important to consider the context and potential biases of the source. Verify the accuracy of the quote and provide relevant background information.

3. Legal Quotations: In legal documents, the precise wording of a quote can have significant implications. Ensure that the quote is accurate and properly attributed.

4. Cross-Cultural Quotations: When translating quotations from other languages into Spanish, be mindful of cultural differences and potential misinterpretations. Adapt the quote to suit the Spanish-speaking audience while preserving the original meaning.

5. Ethical Considerations: Always use quotations ethically and responsibly. Avoid distorting the original meaning of a quote or taking it out of context. Respect the intellectual property rights of the original author.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about using “quote” in Spanish:

1. Q: How do I say “to quote” in Spanish?

   A: “To quote” can be translated as citar (to cite) or entrecomillar (to put in quotation marks), depending on the context. If you’re referring to the act of citing someone’s words, use citar. If you’re referring to the act of placing those words within quotation marks, use entrecomillar.

2. Q: What are the different types of quotation marks used in Spanish?

   A: Spanish typically uses double quotation marks (” “) for direct quotes. Single quotation marks (‘ ‘) are used for quotes within quotes. Angle quotes (« ») are also used, though less commonly in modern usage.

3. Q: How do I indicate that I have omitted part of a quote?

   A: Use ellipses (…) to indicate that you have omitted part of a quote. Be careful not to distort the original meaning of the quote when omitting text.

4. Q: Where does punctuation go in relation to quotation marks in Spanish?

   A: In Spanish, punctuation typically goes outside the quotation marks. For example: “Hola,” dijo Juan. (“Hello,” said Juan.)

5. Q: How do I handle long quotations in Spanish?

   A: For quotations that are longer than a few lines, it’s common to indent the quote and use a smaller font size instead of using quotation marks. This visually separates the quote from the main text.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of quotations in Spanish involves understanding the nuances of different terms such as cita, comillas, cotización, and entrecomillar. Each term has its specific context and usage rules, and knowing how to apply them correctly is essential for clear and accurate communication.

By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can confidently navigate the world of quotations in Spanish. Whether you are citing sources in academic writing, engaging in professional correspondence, or simply enriching your everyday conversations, you now have the tools to express yourself with greater precision and clarity.

Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which you are using these terms. With dedication and attention to detail, you can master the art of using quotations effectively in Spanish.