duda

/ˈdu.ða/
doubt

Tengo una duda sobre el ejercicio.

I have a doubt about the exercise.


neutral

A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something.

No tengo dudas de que aprobaré el examen.

I have no doubts that I will pass the exam.

Me surgió una duda sobre el significado de esa palabra.

A doubt came to me about the meaning of that word.

Commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts to express uncertainty.

Collocations

tener dudasto have doubtssin dudawithout a doubtresolver una dudato resolve a doubtplantear una dudato raise a doubt

Pro Tip

Common phrase

Use 'sin duda' to express strong agreement or certainty, e.g., 'Sin duda, es la mejor opción.' (Without a doubt, it's the best option.)

Gold Rule

Doubt vs. Question

'Duda' refers to uncertainty or lack of conviction, while 'pregunta' means a direct question. 'Tengo una duda' means 'I have a doubt,' not 'I have a question.'

Word Origin

From Latin *dubita*, past participle of *dubitare* (to doubt), related to *duo* (two), implying being of two minds.

Usage Notes

In Spanish, 'duda' is a feminine noun. It is often used in questions like '¿Tienes alguna duda?' (Do you have any doubts?).

Word Breakdown

dud-
root related to uncertainty
root
+
-a
feminine singular noun suffix
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés