vidrio transparente
/bidɾjo tɾanspaɾente/from spelling rules
The English phrase "clear glass" is translated into Spanish as vidrio transparente.
vidrio transparente is used to describe the physical property of glass being see-through.
Which one should you use?
While vidrio transparente describes the property of being see-through, do not confuse it with vidrio limpio, which means "clean glass" (free of smudges).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cristal transparente is a commonly used term for clear glass. In Latin America, vaso transparente is commonly used for a clear drinking glass. Additionally, cristal is often used as a synonym for vidrio when referring to high-quality or fine glassware.
How do you pronounce it?
/bidɾjo tɾanspaɾente/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using vidrio limpio if you want to describe transparency. vidrio limpio would mean "clean glass" (free of smudges).
Did you know?
- The word transparente comes from the Latin transpareō, where trans means 'through' and pareō means 'to appear' or 'to be visible'.
- In Spanish, transparente is used to describe things like water or air, whereas English speakers often use 'clear' for these, which can also mean 'easy to understand'.
- The word vidrio is a linguistic doublet of vítreo, meaning they both evolved from the same Latin source but developed into different words with different uses.
Examples in context
- Por favor, sirve el agua en un vaso de cristal transparente.Please serve the water in a clear glass.
- Me gustaría un vaso de cristal transparente para el agua, por favor.I would like a clear glass for the water, please.
- El agua se ve a través del vidrio transparente.The water is visible through the clear glass.
- Este es un vidrio transparente.This is a clear glass.
- Necesito un vidrio transparente para la vitrina.I need a clear glass for the display case.
- El vidrio transparente permite ver el interior.The clear glass allows you to see the inside.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are choosing materials for a small shop window.
- Alejandro¿Prefieres el vidrio opaco o el vidrio transparente?Do you prefer opaque glass or clear glass?
- LucíaEl vidrio transparente es mucho mejor para la tienda.Clear glass is much better for the shop.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía, así verán los productos.You are right, Lucía, that way they will see the products.
- LucíaExacto, vamos a comprarlo ahora.Exactly, let's go buy it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries transparente, vidrio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
