Spanish word

siquiera

Pronunciation

IPA/siˈkjeɾa/

Meaning

  • adverbeven

Example

Ni siquiera tengo tiempo.

I don't even have time.

Illustration for siquiera (even)

More examples

¿Puedes siquiera ayudarme con esto?

Can you even help me with this?

Core concept

An emphatic marker that highlights absence or the smallest concession.

Common phrases

  • ni siquiera

    not even

  • no siquiera

    not at all

Similar words

ni siquiera: Stresses in negative clauses that not even the smallest thing exists.
incluso: Highlights an element as surprising or extreme to express 'even'.
al menos: Marks the minimum amount or degree, conveying 'at least'.

Definition in Spanish

Marca énfasis en la ausencia o insuficiencia ('ni siquiera') y que en interrogativas o deseos puede solicitar un mínimo ('al menos', 'aunque sea').

Word origin

Etymologically si ('if') plus quiera (subjunctive of querer) contracted into siquiera, an adverb that marks strong lack in negatives and the least concession in questions or wishes.

Usage tips

  • Placement matters: in negatives it commonly follows ni and precedes the main verb, whereas after a verb or in plain affirmatives it sounds marked or unusual.

Word lists with this word