Portuguese · Numbers & Time
Cem / Cento
[/sẽj/ /ˈsẽtu/]
Hundred
Beginnernumeral
Definition
"Cem" is used for exactly 100; "cento" is used when followed by more numbers (e.g., 101).
"Cem" é usado para exatamente 100; "cento" quando seguido de mais números.
Example
O produto custa cem reais.
The product costs one hundred reais.
Etymology
'Cem' and 'cento' derive from the Latin 'Centum', designated for the numeral hundred. In modern Portuguese, 'cem' is used for the exact hundred while 'cento' is prefixed by numbers (e.g., 'cento e um' for 101).
How & Where It’s Used
Both terms are used in formal and informal contexts and are commonly found in both spoken and written formats across the Portuguese-speaking world.