Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hormigón | /oɾmiˈɡon/ | masculine |
| concreto | /konˈkɾeto/ | masculine |
| garujo | /ɡaɾuxo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| mazacote | /maθaˈkote/ /masaˈkote/ |
masculine |
| masacote | /masakote/ (from spelling rules) | Venezuela, masculine |
All provided forms refer to the noun for the building material. To describe something as being made of this material, you can use the phrases de concreto or de hormigón. If you wish to describe the action of covering something with concrete, use the verb hormigonar.
Which one should you use?
Hormigón is considered the standard term used in Spain and is also common in technical engineering contexts throughout much of the Spanish-speaking world. Concreto is the preferred term for the building material in many parts of Latin America, specifically in Mexico and throughout the Americas. Garujo and mazacote are also terms for concrete, while masacote is a colloquial term used specifically in Venezuela.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Hormigón is commonly used in Spain and some Latin American countries. Concreto is preferred in many parts of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and the Americas. Masacote is used in Venezuela.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word concreto changes to concreta when it is used to refer to a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾmiˈɡon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use concreto to mean the building material in Spain, where hormigón is the standard term.
Did you know?
- The word hormigón is built from a word meaning 'porridge' and an augmentative suffix, suggesting a thick, heavy substance.
Examples in context
- Este puente es de hormigón.This bridge is made of concrete.This sentence is useful for describing what a bridge is made of using hormigón.Tatoeba #12208227 by escudo119, translation #12208302 by Miktsoanit
- El forjado es de hormigón armado.The slab is reinforced concrete.This sentence is useful for describing reinforced concrete using hormigón.Tatoeba #5911496 by arh, translation #10612149 by sangelo
- Los pilares son de hormigón armado.The columns are made of reinforced concrete.Tatoeba #6739374 by arh, translation #10612147 by sangelo
- El uso del concreto es fundamental en la construcción de edificiosThe use of concrete is essential in building construction
- La estructura del puente fue construida utilizando hormigónThe bridge's structure was built using concrete
- La empresa se especializa en la producción de cemento y concretoThe company specializes in the production of cement and concrete
- El arquitecto diseñó un edificio moderno utilizando concreto y vidrio.The architect designed a modern building using concrete and glass.
- El piso de la cochera está hecho de concreto.The garage floor is made of concrete.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing the renovation of a patio.
- AlejandroNecesitamos usar hormigón para el suelo.We need to use concrete for the floor.
- ElenaTardará unos días en secar el hormigón.The concrete will take a few days to dry.
- AlejandroEs cierto, pero es muy resistente.That's true, but it is very resistant.
- ElenaVale, Alejandro, compraremos el hormigón mañana.Okay, Alejandro, we will buy the concrete tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “concrete” translations and entries hormigón, concreto, mazacote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries concreto, hormigón, mazacote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
