Question 1

Why is 22 written as one word (veintidós) instead of three words (veinte y dos)?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, all numbers from 16 to 29 are combined into a single word. To make them, you take veinte (twenty), change the final -e to an -i, and attach the second number. So, veinte + dos becomes veintidós. (Once you reach 31, you will go back to using three separate words, like treinta y uno).

Question 2

Why do veintidós and veintitrés have accent marks, when the numbers dos and tres normally don't?

Accepted Answer

When you glue veinti- together with a one-syllable number like dos, tres, or seis, the stress rules of Spanish change. The written accent mark is added to show that the vocal stress still falls on that final syllable when pronouncing the full word.

Question 3

Since bicicletas is feminine, do I need to change the ending of veintitrés to match it?

Accepted Answer

No. Most numbers, including veintidós and veintitrés, do not change based on gender. The only exception in the twenties is 21: you would say veintiún carros (masculine) but veintiuna bicicletas (feminine).

Question 4

If there are multiple cars and bicycles, why don't we use a plural form of hay?

Accepted Answer

Because hay is a special, frozen word that means both "there is" and "there are." It never changes form, no matter how many things or people you are talking about.

Question 5

I learned coche for "car" before. Is carro the exact same thing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Carro is the most common word for "car" in many parts of Latin America (including Mexico and Colombia). In Spain, coche is much more common, and in some other South American countries like Argentina, you'll hear auto. They all mean the same thing.

Hay veintidós carros y veintitrés bicicletas en el parque.

Breakdown of Hay veintidós carros y veintitrés bicicletas en el parque.

Questions & Answers about Hay veintidós carros y veintitrés bicicletas en el parque.

Learn Hay veintidós carros y veintitrés bicicletas en el parque and more in Spanish