elemental
/elemenˈtal/
The English word "elemental" translates to the Spanish adjective elemental.
elemental is used to describe something that is basic, fundamental or elementary. In many contexts, Spanish speakers use it to describe something that is obvious or self-evident, such as una verdad elemental. It can also function as a noun to refer to a fantastic creature.
Meaning: basic, fundamental, elementary (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may encounter the term primordial used to refer to something that is elemental.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, elemental is gender-neutral and does not change its ending to match masculine or feminine nouns. To make the word plural, use elementales.
How do you pronounce it?
/elemenˈtal/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'elementary' for primary school, Spanish uses elemental for fundamental truths but not for the school level, where primaria is used.
- The term elemental can describe a gnome or a sylph in Spanish literature, turning the word from a description of simplicity into a noun for a spirit.
- The Spanish word elemental shares the exact same Latin-derived suffix -al as its English counterpart, creating a nearly identical phonetic and structural link between the two languages.
Examples in context
- El estudio de las matemáticas es elemental para el desarrollo científico.The study of mathematics is fundamental for scientific development.
- Es un error elemental.It is a basic error.
- La duda es elemental en este caso.The doubt is fundamental in this case.
- Necesitamos entender los conceptos elementales.We need to understand the elementary concepts.
Example conversation
Lucía is helping Alejandro study for a test.
- LucíaNo entiendo esta parte del libro, Alejandro.I don't understand this part of the book, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs un paso elemental, yo te explico.It is a basic step, I will explain it to you.
- LucíaGracias, Lucía, ahora lo entiendo mejor.Thank you, Lucía, now I understand it better.
- AlejandroDe nada, es lo más elemental del tema.You're welcome, it's the most fundamental part of the topic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elemental” translations and entries elemental, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elemental, CC BY-SA 4.0.
