Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say By the Way in Spanish
Por cierto · phrase · pohr see-EHR-toh
'Por cierto' is the go-to Spanish phrase for 'by the way,' used to casually introduce a side topic or add an afterthought during conversation.
pohr see-EHR-toh
Por cierto, ¿ya compraste los boletos?
By the way, did you already buy the tickets?
By the way in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for by the way, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| por cierto | by the way | pohr see-EHR-toh | Default, widely understood |
| a propósito | by the way | Universal (by the way / on purpose, depending on context) | |
| hablando de | by the way | Universal (speaking of, used to shift topics) | |
| dicho sea de paso | by the way | Universal (by the way, more formal or literary) |
How Native Speakers Use Por cierto
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Introducing a new topic
Por cierto, mañana no hay clases.
By the way, there are no classes tomorrow.
Casually mentioning something during a conversation with classmates.
Adding an afterthought
A propósito, tu mamá llamó hace una hora.
By the way, your mom called an hour ago.
Remembering to pass along a message.
Shifting the conversation
Hablando de viajes, ¿ya reservaste el hotel?
Speaking of travel, did you already book the hotel?
Transitioning from one topic to a related one in a natural way.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Por cierto
Literal translation
Incorrect: Por el camino, ¿ya terminaste el proyecto?
Correct: Por cierto, ¿ya terminaste el proyecto?
'Por el camino' translates literally to 'by the road/path' and does not convey the conversational meaning of 'by the way.' The correct idiomatic expression is 'por cierto.'
Confusing a propósito meanings
Incorrect: Lo hice a propósito de cambiar de tema.
Correct: A propósito, quiero cambiar de tema.
When used as 'by the way,' 'a propósito' stands alone at the beginning of a sentence. Using 'a propósito de' changes the meaning to 'regarding' or 'with respect to.'
Lock in By the way Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Por cierto used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using por cierto in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Por cierto, ¿ya compraste los boletos? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About By the way in Spanish
- Is 'por cierto' used the same way in Spain and Latin America?
- Yes, 'por cierto' is universally understood and used across all Spanish-speaking countries. It functions identically everywhere as a way to introduce a side note or change the subject smoothly.
- Can 'a propósito' also mean 'on purpose'?
- Yes, 'a propósito' has a dual meaning. It can mean 'by the way' when used at the start of a sentence, or 'on purpose' when used after a verb, as in 'Lo hizo a propósito' (He did it on purpose). Context makes the meaning clear.
- When should I use 'dicho sea de paso' instead of 'por cierto'?
- 'Dicho sea de paso' is a more formal or literary expression that literally means 'let it be said in passing.' It is best suited for written texts, speeches, or formal conversation, while 'por cierto' fits casual everyday dialogue.