How to Say 38 in Spanish - Pronunciation Guide and Examples
As of 2026, the phrase "how-to-say-38-in-spanish" continues to be a common search for language learners. In Spanish, you would express this number as “treinta y ocho” (IPA: /tɾein.ta i ˈo.tʃo/). This guide will help you understand and use the term effectively in everyday conversations.

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Cardinal and Ordinal Forms of 38 in Spanish
In Spanish, numbers are categorized into cardinal and ordinal forms. Cardinal numbers like “treinta y ocho” (thirty-eight) are used to count objects or people, while ordinal numbers such as “trigésimo octavo” (thirty-eighth) indicate the order or position of things.
To pronounce "treinta y ocho" correctly, stress the syllable with the letter 'n' in “treinta”. It's also important to note that Spanish uses commas instead of periods for decimals, so you might see "38,00" rather than "38.00".
For ordinal numbers, the word for "thirty-eighth" is “trigésimo octavo” (IPA: /tɾiˈxe.simo okˈta.βo/).
Example Sentences Using "Treinta y Ocho"
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Browse all 4 volumes →To enhance your understanding of how to use the number 38 in Spanish, here are some common phrases:
- El examen final tiene treinta y ocho preguntas.
(The final exam has thirty-eight questions.)
- Él tiene treinta y ocho años de edad.
(He is thirty-eight years old.)
- Ella nació el trigésimo octavo día del año.
(She was born on the thirty-eighth day of the year.)
- Necesito 38 dólares para comprar esa camiseta.
(I need 38 dollars to buy that shirt.)
- Mi abuela celebrará su trigésimo octavo aniversario de bodas este año.
(My grandmother will celebrate her thirty-eighth wedding anniversary this year.)
Comparison with Other Languages
Understanding how to say "thirty-eight" in Spanish can be easier if you compare it with other languages. For instance, in French, the number is “trente-huit” and in German, it's “achtunddreißig”. This comparison helps clarify pronunciation and usage differences.
Pronunciation Tips for Spanish Numbers
Mastering the pronunciation of "treinta y ocho" involves stressing the correct syllables. Listen to audio clips or use online resources like Forvo to hear native speakers pronounce this number accurately.
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