2 in Spanish = dos

The number 2 in Spanish is pronounced "dohs" (like "dose" without the final "e", with stress on the single syllable), written as "dos", and spelled d-o-s.

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Dos is a single syllable: dos

Step by step:

1. Say "dohs" (like "dose" but without the final "e" sound)
2. The "o" is a pure "oh" sound, not a diphthong
3. The "s" at the end is soft and clear
4. It's a single syllable with no stress pattern needed

Common mistakes:

• Pronouncing it like English "dose"—the vowel is shorter and crisper
• Adding an extra vowel at the end—it's "dos" not "dos-uh"
• Making the "s" too harsh—it should be soft

Regional pronunciation differences:

• Most regions: "dohs" with a soft "s"
• Spain (some areas): The "s" might be slightly lisped, closer to "dohth"
• Río de la Plata (Argentina/Uruguay): Sometimes pronounced with a "sh" sound like "dohsh"
• All variations are correct for their respective regions

The Word "Dos"

Spelling: d-o-s

• Invariable (doesn't change for gender)
• Masculine noun: el dos
• No accent marks

Origin: From Latin "duo" meaning "two"

Gender: Unlike "uno/una," dos does NOT change based on gender:

• Dos libros (masculine)
• Dos casas (feminine)
• Always "dos"

Practical Usage

Counting: When counting: uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco...

Phone numbers: Each digit is pronounced separately:

• 2 = dos
• Example: 254-2002 = dos-cinco-cuatro, dos-cero-cero-dos

Prices:

• 2€ = dos euros
• €2.50 = dos euros cincuenta (céntimos)
• €22 = veintidós euros

Times:

• 2:00 = las dos (feminine plural because "horas" is feminine)
• 2:15 = las dos y cuarto
• 2:30 = las dos y media
• Note: It's "las dos" (plural), unlike "la una" (singular)

Dates:

• The 2nd = el dos
• February 2nd = el dos de febrero
• Unlike the 1st which uses "primero," all other dates use cardinal numbers

Ages:

• 2 years old = dos años

Addresses:

• Room 2 = habitación dos
• Apartment 2 = apartamento dos
• Floor 2 = piso dos / segundo piso

Compound Numbers with 2

12-29:

• 12 = doce
• 20 = veinte
• 22 = veintidós (written as one word)
• 32 = treinta y dos (written as three words)
• 42 = cuarenta y dos
• 52 = cincuenta y dos

Important:

• 22 is "veintidós" (one word with accent)
• 32+ are "treinta y dos," "cuarenta y dos," etc. (three words)

Regional Variations

Spain: dohs (with soft "s" or slight lisp) Mexico: dohs Argentina/Uruguay: dohsh (with "sh" sound on the "s") Colombia: dohs Most Latin America: dohs

The word itself is universal; only the "s" sound varies slightly.

Common Phrases with 2

de dos en dos: Two by two, in pairs

los dos / las dos: Both (of them)

• "Los dos son buenos" = Both are good

entre dos: Between two

cada dos: Every two

• "Cada dos días" = Every two days

dos veces: Twice, two times

• "Dos veces al día" = Twice a day

dos puntos: Colon (:) in punctuation

no hay dos sin tres: Bad/good things come in threes (literally "there's no two without three")

partir en dos: To split in two

en un dos por tres: In a jiffy, very quickly (literally "in a two by three")

estar entre dos aguas: To be undecided (literally "to be between two waters")

Grammar Notes

Invariable: Unlike "uno/una," dos NEVER changes:

• Dos niños (two boys) - masculine
• Dos niñas (two girls) - feminine
• Always "dos"

With articles:

• Los dos = both (masculine)
• Las dos = both (feminine)
• El dos = the number two

Ordinal:

• "Second" = segundo/a (not dos)
• El segundo día = the second day
• Exception: For dates after the 1st, use cardinal: "el dos de mayo"

Writing Numbers

22:

• Written as one word: veintidós
• With accent on the "o": veintidós
• NOT "veinte y dos"

32, 42, 52, etc.:

• Written as three words: treinta y dos
• No accent needed
• The "y" (and) connects them

Quick Takeaways

• 2 in Spanish is dos, pronounced "dohs" as a single syllable
• Unlike "uno," dos does NOT change for gender—always "dos"
• For times, use "las dos" (plural), unlike "la una" (singular)
• 22 is "veintidós" (one word with accent)
• 32+ is "treinta y dos," etc. (three words, no accent)
• Comes from Latin "duo"
• The "s" pronunciation varies by region (soft "s," lisp, or "sh")
• "En un dos por tres" means "very quickly"

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