núcleo
/ˈnukleo/masculine
The English phrase 'core' can be translated into Spanish using núcleo, centro or cogollo depending on the context.
Meaning: center or inner part (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| núcleo | /ˈnukleo/ | masculine |
| centro | /ˈθentɾo/ /ˈsentɾo/ |
masculine |
| cogollo | /koˈɡoʝo/ | masculine |
núcleo refers to a scientific, technical or abstract center, such as an atomic nucleus or a processor core. cogollo is used specifically in a culinary context to refer to the core of certain vegetables, such as lettuce or cabbage.
Which one should you use?
Use núcleo for technical, scientific or abstract concepts. Use cogollo specifically for the center of vegetables like lettuce.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of núcleo is núcleos, the plural of centro is centros and the plural of cogollo is cogollos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnukleo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, cogollo has become a common slang term for the top bud of a cannabis plant rather than just lettuce or cabbage.
- While núcleo refers to a technical core, it is also the term used in Spanish sociology to describe the smallest unit of a family, the núcleo familiar.
- The word cogollo is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'cowl'. Both words evolved from the Latin cucullus, which referred to a hood or a covering.
Examples in context
- Este teléfono tiene un procesador de cuatro núcleos.This phone has a quad-core processor.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a quad-core processor using núcleo.Tatoeba #2465723 by teskmon, translation #2059937 by Spamster
- Tom arrojó el centro de la manzana al bote de basura.Tom threw the apple core into the garbage can.This sentence shows how to use centro when talking about throwing an apple core away.Tatoeba #1602927 by marcelostockle, translation #1092731 by CK
- Pelen las manzanas y pártanlas a la mitad, quitándoles el centro.Peel the apples and slice them in half, cutting out the core.This sentence demonstrates using centro in the context of cutting the core out of an apple.Tatoeba #3463983 by cueyayotl, translation #11639879 by ddnktr
- El núcleo del equipo está formado por profesionales altamente capacitados.The core of the team is made up of highly trained professionals.
- La esencia de la música está en la expresión de sentimientos.The core of music lies in the expression of feelings.
- En el núcleo central del problema encontramos la falta de comunicación.In the core of the problem, we find a lack of communication.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are studying geology in a classroom.
- MaríaMira, aquí está el dibujo del núcleo terrestre.Look, here is the drawing of the Earth's core.
- DanielEs increíble que el núcleo sea tan caliente.It's incredible that the core is so hot.
- MaríaSí, Daniel, está hecho de hierro y níquel.Yes, Daniel, it is made of iron and nickel.
- DanielGracias por explicarme esta parte, María.Thanks for explaining this part to me, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “core” translations and entries núcleo, centro, cogollo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries centro, cogollo, núcleo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
