cada
each · every
Se usa para hablar de todos los elementos de un grupo, uno por uno.
Definition & meaning
The word cada is a distributive adjective used to refer to all members of a group individually. Its meaning depends on the context:
- Each / Every: It is used to indicate that something applies to every individual item in a set (e.g., cada día - every day).
- Every (time intervals): When followed by a number, it indicates a recurring frequency (e.g., cada dos horas - every two hours).
Note: Cada does not change in gender or number, and it is almost always followed by a singular noun.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is an invariable distributive adjective. It is never used with an article (e.g., it is incorrect to say "el cada").
- Word origin: It comes from the Greek word katá, which means "according to" or "by." Through the process of linguistic evolution, it entered Spanish via the Old Spanish cada.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Todos (When used in the sense of "all of them," though grammatically distinct)
- Cualquier (Sometimes used interchangeably in specific contexts meaning "any")
Antonyms:
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Examples
Cada niño tiene su propio juguete.determiner
Each child has their own toy.
Cada mañana tengo que correr.determiner
Each morning I have to run.
Cada día voy a la escuela.determiner
Every day I go to school.
Cada estudiante lee un libro en clase.determiner
Each student reads a book in class.
Leo un libro cada semana.determiner
I read a book every week.
Cada estudiante tiene una mochila azul.determiner
Each student has a blue backpack.
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