el dato
El dato is a specific piece of information, often something you can verify. In news, it points to a concrete detail rather than a feeling.
Common Phrases
- comprobar un dato — to check a fact
- un dato verificable — a verifiable fact
Example
El dato es verificable en una fuente confiable.
The fact is verifiable in a reliable source.
Common Mistake
Gender and plural: say el dato and los datos, not la dato or los dato.
la opinion
La opinión is a personal view or judgment. It can be informed, but it is not the same as proof.
Common Phrases
- dar tu opinión — to give your opinion
- opinión personal — personal opinion
Example
Mi opinión es distinta en redes sociales.
My opinion is different on social media.
Common Mistake
Accent marks: write la opinión, not la opinion. In verbs, mejoró is common in writing, not mejoro.
viral
Viral describes something that spreads rapidly online through sharing. It is common in news, memes, and social posts.
Common Phrases
- hacerse viral — to go viral
- contenido viral — viral content
Example
Ese rumor es viral en internet.
That rumor is viral on the internet.
Common Mistake
Plural form: videos virales, not videos viral.
el resumen
El resumen is a short, condensed version of a longer text or talk. It helps you catch the main points quickly.
Common Phrases
- hacer un resumen — to make a summary
- resumen breve — brief summary
Example
El resumen es claro y breve.
The summary is clear and brief.
Common Mistake
Article choice: el resumen, not la resumen.
la seccion
La sección is a section of a newspaper, website, show, or app. It organizes content by theme, such as science or politics.
Common Phrases
- sección de ciencia — science section
- sección de comentarios — comments section
Example
La sección de ciencia tiene buenas fuentes.
The science section has good sources.
Common Mistake
Spelling: la sección, not la seccion.
el debate
El debate is a structured exchange of arguments or viewpoints. It can happen in public, on TV, or online.
Common Phrases
- abrir un debate — to open a debate
- debate público — public debate
Example
El debate público necesita respeto.
Public debate needs respect.
Common Mistake
Gender: say el debate, not la debate.
la noticia
La noticia is a news story or reported item. It can be true or false, so context and confirmation matter.
Common Phrases
- confirmar una noticia — to confirm a news story
- noticia de última hora — breaking news
Example
La noticia es dudosa sin evidencia.
The news story is doubtful without evidence.
Common Mistake
False friend: noticia is news, not notice for a sign or announcement.
el diario
El diario often means a newspaper or news outlet in a media context. It can also mean a personal diary, so context is important.
Common Phrases
- leer el diario — to read the newspaper
- diario digital — online newspaper
Example
El diario publica correcciones con frecuencia.
The newspaper publishes corrections frequently.
Common Mistake
Meaning: el diario (newspaper) is different from el diario personal; avoid using diario alone when you mean a journal.