circular
/θiɾkuˈlaɾ/
The English word circular translates to Spanish as circular.
As an adjective, circular is used to describe something that is in the shape of or moving in a circle. It is a cognate of the English word circular. In a business or administrative context, una circular refers to a formal notice or memorandum sent to a group of people.
Meaning: in the shape of, or moving in a circle (adj)
Which one should you use?
When used as an adjective to describe shape, circular is a cognate of the English word 'circular'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective circular is invariant in gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the adjective circular plural, add -es to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
/θiɾkuˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb circular is frequently used to describe the flow of traffic. A phrase like el tráfico circula means that cars are moving, not that they are driving in circles.
- While circular describes a shape, Spanish speakers often use the word redondo for everyday objects like a ball or a plate. Using circular in a casual setting can sound overly technical or mathematical.
- Spanish uses circular to describe certain types of migration or labor movements, known as migración circular. This refers to a repeated movement of people between two locations over time.
Examples in context
- He recibido una circular del banco.I've received a circular from the bank.This sentence shows the use of circular as a noun referring to a notice.Tatoeba #2258905 by cueyayotl, translation #2258904 by _undertoad
- Solo en filosofía uno puede usar un argumento circular y recibir elogios por ello.Only in philosophy can you use a circular argument and get praised for it.This sentence demonstrates the use of the adjective to describe a circular argument.Tatoeba #1637217 by teskmon, translation #411024 by Scott
- La piscina en la que nadamos ayer tenía una forma circular.The swimming pool we swam in yesterday had a circular shape.This sentence illustrates the adjective being used to describe a circular shape.Tatoeba #6825660 by mervert1, translation #6825647 by mervert1
- El reloj tiene una forma redondaThe clock has a round shape
- El avión sigue una trayectoria circular en el aireThe airplane follows a circular path in the air
- ¡Mira cómo baila en círculos!Look at how it dances in circles!
- ¡Mira ese pastel redondito!Look at that cute little round cake!
- El dibujo es en forma de círculoThe drawing is in the shape of a circle
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at furniture for their new apartment.
- AlejandroElena, ¿te gusta esta alfombra circular?Elena, do you like this circular rug?
- ElenaSí, es muy bonita y queda bien aquí.Yes, it is very pretty and looks good here.
- AlejandroTambién podemos comprar una mesa circular.We can also buy a circular table.
- ElenaBuena idea, Alejandro, sería perfecta para nosotros.Good idea, Alejandro, it would be perfect for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circular” translations and entries circular, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
