xxiii

XXIII (twenty-third)

numeral BEHN-tee-TREH-s Rare

Usage Note

XXIII is the Roman numeral for twenty-three, appearing in chapter numbers, papal names (Juan XXIII), and century subdivisions. It is read as veintitrés (cardinal — note the written accent on veintitrés) or vigésimo tercero (ordinal). The accent on the fused compound veintitrés is a frequent spelling error that learners should internalise.

Examples

"El papa Juan XXIII convocó el Concilio Vaticano."

Natural Translation

Pope John XXIII convened the Vatican Council.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Saying "I Love You" in Spanish

Te quiero vs te amo, explained: te quiero is the warm, safe everyday I love you; te amo is deeper and more romantic. A relationship-by-relationship map.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "I Like" in Spanish: Gustar Without the Confusion

Say I like in Spanish with gustar the right way: me gusta vs me gustan, why it's never yo gusto, the pronouns, articles, and five verbs that copy the pattern.

June 9, 2026 6 min read