cien
numeralCEFR A1High frequency
What does “cien” mean in English?
one hundred
Example sentences
Cuesta cien euros.
It costs one hundred euros.
Hay cien personas aquí.
There are a hundred people here.
Ciento veintitrés estudiantes están inscritos.
One hundred twenty-three students are enrolled.
How to use it
Cien means '100' before any noun (cien libros, cien personas) and on its own. Use ciento for 101–199 (ciento uno = 101). Cien itself is invariable.
Common mistake
Use cien for exactly 100 and before any noun ('cien libros', 'cien dólares'). Switch to ciento when followed by another number: 101 = ciento uno, never 'cien uno'.