Spanish Phrase
Nací en 1990.
Meaning
This phrase uses the first-person singular preterite form of the verb 'nacer' (to be born). In Spanish, birth is expressed as an active past action rather than a passive state as it is in English. It is the standard way to identify your birth year.
When to use
Use this phrase when introducing yourself, filling out verbal applications, or discussing age and history with friends. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nacíen1990
Nací (Nacer)
This is the 'yo' form of the verb 'nacer' in the preterite tense, used for events that happened at a specific point in the past.
Preposition 'en'
Used here to indicate the specific time period or year in which the action occurred.
🗨In Conversation
¿En qué año naciste?
In what year were you born?
Nací en 1990.
I was born in 1990.
✕Common Mistakes
Yo era nacido en 1990.
Avoid using the verb 'ser' with 'nacido' to translate 'was born'; use the preterite 'nací' instead.
Nací en el 1990.
In Spanish, you generally do not use the definite article 'el' before a specific year when using the preposition 'en'.
↔Alternatives
Soy del 90.
I'm from '90.
Mi año de nacimiento es 1990.
My year of birth is 1990.
Cultural Tip
When saying years in Spanish, you must say the full number (mil novecientos noventa) rather than breaking it into two parts like 'nineteen ninety'. In many Hispanic cultures, the specific year of birth is a common icebreaker when meeting people of a similar age group.