Introduction
Por cierto is a common Spanish phrase used to add a related comment or extra information during conversation. This article explains how and when to use por cierto, with clear rules, examples, and usage notes for English-speaking learners from beginner to intermediate levels.
- What does por cierto mean?
- Placement in a sentence
- Punctuation and intonation
- Por cierto vs other linking phrases
- Formal vs informal usage
- Common sentence structures with por cierto
- Pronunciation tips
- Examples in context
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Cultural and pragmatic notes
- How to practice using por cierto
- Conclusion
What does por cierto mean?
Por cierto literally translates to by certain or by the way, but its practical meaning is closer to by the way, incidentally, or speaking of which. It introduces a comment that is related to the previous topic or a new point the speaker remembers. Use por cierto to connect ideas smoothly in conversation or writing.
Basic functions
Por cierto serves three main functions:
– To add a piece of information related to the current topic.
– To introduce a new but connected topic the speaker just remembered.
– To emphasize or clarify a point already mentioned.
Placement in a sentence
Por cierto usually appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, but it can also appear in the middle. When placed at the beginning, it signals the listener that an additional remark is coming. In the middle, it acts as a parenthetical phrase, interrupting the flow to add a comment.
Examples: at the beginning
Por cierto, ¿viste la película anoche?
Por cierto, mañana tengo una reunión importante.
Examples: in the middle
Creo que, por cierto, deberíamos llamar antes de ir.
No me gustó mucho la cena, por cierto, estaba fría.
Punctuation and intonation
In writing, separate por cierto with a comma when it introduces a comment at the beginning or appears parenthetically in the middle of a sentence. In speech, use a short pause and a slightly different intonation to signal the switch to the related comment. This pause helps listeners recognize that the speaker is adding information rather than changing the topic completely.
Written examples with commas
Por cierto, la tienda cierra a las ocho.
La reunión, por cierto, será en la sala A.
Por cierto vs other linking phrases
Spanish has several linking phrases that learners might confuse with por cierto. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right phrase for each situation.
Por cierto vs a propósito
Por cierto and a propósito can both mean by the way, but a propósito often implies intention or purpose, similar to on purpose or intentionally. Use a propósito when you want to stress that something was done deliberately or to change the subject in a slightly stronger way.
Example:
Por cierto, llegaste temprano hoy.
A propósito, ¿lo hiciste a propósito o fue casualidad?
Por cierto vs además
Además means furthermore or besides and is used to add an additional argument or piece of information directly supporting the previous point. Por cierto is less formal and often signals a related but not necessarily supporting comment.
Example:
No puedo ir hoy; además, tengo mucho trabajo.
Por cierto, tienen una cafetería nueva en el edificio al lado.
Por cierto vs hablando de
Hablando de means speaking of or speaking about and is useful when you introduce a topic that connects explicitly to what was just said. Por cierto is more idiomatic and can be used more loosely to recall something related.
Example:
Hablando de viajes, ¿cuándo es tu próximo vuelo?
Por cierto, ¿qué maleta usas para los viajes cortos?
Formal vs informal usage
Por cierto is versatile and appears in both spoken and written Spanish. It fits well in informal conversations, casual emails, and even some formal contexts. However, in highly formal writing or speeches, prefer more formal connectors like además or cabe señalar that add information in a less colloquial tone.
Informal contexts
Use por cierto with friends, family, and colleagues in casual speech or messages. It helps make conversations feel natural and spontaneous.
Example:
Por cierto, ¿quedamos para tomar algo esta tarde?
Formal contexts
In formal emails or presentations, you can still use por cierto but choose a tone-appropriate alternative if you want to sound more professional.
Example:
Por cierto, adjunto el informe solicitado. (acceptable)
Además, adjunto el informe solicitado. (more formal)
Common sentence structures with por cierto
Here are common ways to incorporate por cierto in sentences. Notice how the phrase connects ideas without causing grammatical changes in the rest of the clause.
Structure 1: Por cierto + statement
Por cierto + simple statement introduces an additional fact.
Por cierto, la reunión fue cancelada.
Structure 2: Statement + , por cierto, + statement
Use this parenthetical structure to insert a related remark in the middle of a sentence.
No necesitábamos comprar más comida, por cierto, la despensa está llena.
Structure 3: Question + por cierto
Place por cierto in questions to add a remembered detail or to follow up on something related.
¿Vienes al cine? Por cierto, ¿a qué hora empieza?
Pronunciation tips
Pronounce por cierto clearly as por SEE-ehr-toh. In casual speech, the r in por may be softened and the phrase can run together: porcierto. Focus on the stress: the main stress falls on the first syllable of cierto: CIER-to.
Listening practice suggestions
To get used to natural uses of por cierto, listen to Spanish podcasts, TV shows, or conversations with subtitles. Note how speakers insert the phrase to add side comments or recall information mid-sentence.
Examples in context
Here are realistic dialogues and sentences showing common ways to use por cierto in everyday Spanish.
Dialogue 1:
A: ¿Vendrás a la fiesta el sábado?
B: Sí, por cierto, ¿puedo traer a mi hermana?
Dialogue 2:
A: Estoy buscando un restaurante italiano.
B: Por cierto, hay uno nuevo cerca de la plaza. Lo probé la semana pasada.
Example statements:
Fui al mercado y, por cierto, encontré las mismas fresas que te gustan.
No me gusta esa serie. Por cierto, ¿has visto algo mejor recientemente?
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Beginners often misuse por cierto by placing it where a causal connector like porque or porque de is needed, or by overusing it in formal writing. Remember that por cierto adds a related or remembered comment; it does not show cause, reason, or direct consequence.
Incorrect: No fui a la reunión por cierto estaba enfermo. (wrong usage as cause)
Correct: No fui a la reunión porque estaba enfermo. Por cierto, me avisaron que cambió la fecha. (correct separation of cause and incidental comment)
Also avoid using por cierto for long lists of unrelated points. It works best for single, related additions or quick reminders.
Cultural and pragmatic notes
Using por cierto adds conversational warmth and makes your Spanish sound more natural. Native speakers often use it to keep conversations flowing and to include small but relevant details. In different Spanish-speaking regions, the frequency and tone can vary: speakers in Spain might use it slightly more casually in conversations, while in some Latin American contexts it can sound particularly conversational and friendly.
Politeness tip: When adding an incidental comment with por cierto, be mindful of timing. Interrupting a formal presentation with a casual por cierto can seem out of place. In informal conversations, however, it helps show engagement and thoughtfulness.
How to practice using por cierto
To become comfortable with por cierto, incorporate it into your spoken practice. Try telling a short story and use por cierto to add small details you remember. Record yourself or practice with a language partner, and listen for natural pauses and intonation when inserting the phrase.
Practice idea: Describe your weekend and add at least two incidental comments using por cierto. Notice how it improves the flow and gives your story a natural conversational feel.
Conclusion
Por cierto is a versatile connector that helps you add related comments, reminders, or clarifications in Spanish. Use it at the beginning or in the middle of sentences, pair it with the right punctuation, and avoid confusing it with causal connectors. With a bit of listening and speaking practice, por cierto will become a natural part of your conversational Spanish, making your speech flow more smoothly and sound more native.
