How to Say 61 in Spanish | Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
As of 2026, mastering the number "sixty-one" in Spanish is essential for expanding your vocabulary. In Spanish, 61 is written as "sesenta y uno."
The cardinal form of 61 or “sixty-one” in Spanish is "sesenta y uno" (IPA: /seˈsenta i ˈuno/). Here's a detailed pronunciation guide:
- "se" is pronounced as /se/ (IPA)
- "sen" is pronounced as /ˈsen/ (IPA)
- "ta" is pronounced as /ta/ (IPA)
- "y" is pronounced as /i/ (IPA)
- "uno" is pronounced as /ˈuno/ (IPA)
The ordinal form of 61 in Spanish is "sexagésimo primero" (sixty-first) (IPA: /seɡsaˌxesimo pɾiˈmeɾo/). Here’s how to pronounce each part:
- "seksa" is pronounced as /ˈseksa/.
- "xe" is pronounced as /ˈxe/. This sound doesn't exist in English but can be approximated by combining "sh" and "h."
- "θimo" is pronounced as /ˈθimo/.
- "pri" is pronounced as /ˈpɾi/. The "p" sounds like the English "p," and "ri" sounds like "ree."
- "me" is pronounced as /ˈme/. This resembles the word "may" without the "y" sound.
- "ro" is pronounced as /ˈɾo/.

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Usage of Ordinal Numbers in Formal Documents and Legal Contexts
In formal documents, legal contexts, and academic writing, ordinal numbers are crucial. For instance, "sexagésimo primero" (61st) is used to denote the position or order of items.
Sample Sentences Using "Sesenta y Uno" and "Sexagésimo Primero"
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- "Este es el sesenta y unoavo día de mi viaje por España." (This is the sixty-first day of my journey through Spain.)
- "El sexagésimo primero libro en la lista es una obra maestra." (The sixtieth-first book on the list is a masterpiece.)
Comparison with Other Languages for Number Representation
While "sesenta y uno" and "sexagésimo primero" are specific to Spanish, other languages have their own unique representations. For example, in French, 61 is "soixante et un," while in German, it's "einundsechzig."
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