cubo
/ˈkubo/masculine
The English word "cube" is translated into Spanish as cubo. If unsure, use cubo. Wiktionary also lists cubito and pastilla.
Meaning: object more or less in the form of a cube (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cubo | /ˈkubo/ | masculine |
| cubito | /kuˈbito/ | masculine |
| pastilla | /pasˈtiʝa/ | feminine |
cubo is the most common and straightforward translation for a geometric cube or an object in the form of a cube. It is also polysemous, meaning that in many Spanish-speaking regions, cubo can also mean a bucket or a pail.
Which one should you use?
cubo refers to the geometric shape or an ice cube. cubito is the diminutive form of cubo and is frequently used to describe small cubes, such as small ice cubes. pastilla is used contextually when referring to a small block of something, such as a cube-shaped medicinal tablet or a small block of soap or sugar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
cubo and cubito are masculine nouns, while pastilla is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkubo/
Did you know?
- While cubo means 'cube' in a geometric sense, it also means 'bucket' in many regions. These two meanings come from two different Latin roots, cubus and cupa.
- The word pastilla is used for both a cube of sugar and a medicinal pill, even when the pill is round.
- In a mathematical context, the 'cube' of a number is called el cubo, but the action of cubing a number is expressed as elevar al cubo.
Examples in context
- Este es un cubo de hielo.This is an ice cube.This sentence is useful for identifying an ice cube using cubo.Tatoeba #1386405 by marcelostockle, translation #681181 by Source_VOA
- ¿Cuántas caras tiene un cubo?How many faces does a cube have?This sentence is useful for asking about the faces of a cubo.Tatoeba #1822864 by hayastan, translation #1821042 by Amastan
- Metí un cubito de hielo en su camisa.I slipped an ice cube down her shirt.This sentence is useful for referring to a small ice cube using cubito.Tatoeba #5093901 by cueyayotl, translation #2158869 by Hybrid
- El escultor talló un cubo perfecto.The sculptor carved a perfect cube.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A child playing with wooden blocks in a living room.
- DanielMira, tengo un cubo de madera.Look, I have a wooden cube.
- LucíaEs un cubo muy bonito, Daniel.It is a very pretty cube, Daniel.
- DanielPuedo construir una torre con este cubo.I can build a tower with this cube.
- Lucía¡Qué buena idea tienes, pequeño!What a great idea you have, little one!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cube” translations and entries cubo, cubito, pastilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cubito, cubo, pastilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
