contorno
/konˈtoɾno/masculine
The English phrase "contour" translates to Spanish as contorno.
The masculine noun contorno is used to describe the outline of an object, the shape of a face or the boundary of a physical area.
Meaning: outline, boundary or border (noun)
Which one should you use?
While contorno refers to the outline or shape, the word silueta is more specifically used to refer to a person's silhouette or body shape.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is contornos.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈtoɾno/
Did you know?
- The word contorno shares its distant ancestor with the English word 'turn', both descending from the root meaning to rotate or spin.
- In the beauty industry, Spanish speakers use contorno de ojos to refer specifically to the delicate skin around the eyes. This makes contorno a common term on skincare packaging rather than just a geometric description.
- A contorno can refer to a 'side dish' or a 'border' of a plate in certain culinary contexts, moving away from a purely geometric definition.
Examples in context
- El contorno facial puede resaltar tus mejores rasgos.Contouring can highlight your best features.
- Utilicé una técnica de contorneado para definir mis pómulos.I used a contouring technique to define my cheekbones.
- ¿Ya conoces el maquillaje de contorno?Do you already know about contour makeup?
- Ayer aprendí a darle forma a mi rostro con maquillaje.Yesterday I learned how to contour my face with makeup.
- Me gusta marcar mis rasgos con un poco de sombra.I like to accentuate my features with a bit of shadow.
- Hoy probaré una técnica de maquillaje para marcar los rasgos.Today I'll try a makeup technique to accentuate my features.
- El contorno de la isla es muy irregular.The outline of the island is very irregular.
- Dibuja el contorno de la figura con lápiz.Draw the outline of the figure with a pencil.
- No puedo ver el contorno de las montañas.I cannot see the outline of the mountains.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are looking at a map in an art class.
- DanielLucía, ¿ves el contorno de este mapa?Lucía, do you see the outline of this map?
- LucíaSí, Daniel, el contorno es muy detallado.Yes, Daniel, the outline is very detailed.
- DanielVoy a marcar el contorno en mi cuaderno.I am going to mark the outline in my notebook.
- LucíaEso te ayudará a estudiar la forma.That will help you study the shape.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “contour” translations and entries contorno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contorno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
