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cierto

certain

adjective SYEHR-toh Common

Origin: Latin certus

Also means

true

Usage Note

Cierto behaves differently before and after a noun: cierto problema (a certain problem, identity vague) vs un problema cierto (a definite/real problem). The feminine is cierta. The phrase es cierto que ('it is true/certain that') is extremely common. Do not confuse with seguro ('sure'), which stresses the speaker's personal confidence rather than objective truth.

Examples

"Hay cierta tensión en la sala."

Natural Translation

There is a certain tension in the room.

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