elemental
/elemenˈtal/
The English word 'elementary' translates to elemental in Spanish.
The adjective elemental is used to describe something that is basic, essential or fundamental. It is also the standard term used in scientific contexts, such as when referring to 'elementary particles' in physics.
Meaning: relating to the basic, essential or fundamental part of something (adj)
Which one should you use?
While elemental can mean 'elementary' in the sense of basic or fundamental, it is also the standard term for 'elementary' in the context of physics (e.g., elementary particles).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of elemental is elementales.
How do you pronounce it?
/elemenˈtal/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word elemento comes from the Latin elementum, which originally referred to the first letter of the alphabet. This is why it carries the meaning of 'the very beginning'.
- In Spanish, the word elemento can be used as a mild insult to describe a person who is troublesome or unstable. Calling someone an elemento suggests they are a 'character' or a 'piece of work'.
- In Spanish, elemental can refer to the 'elements' of nature like earth, air, fire and water. This allows it to describe things that are primal or raw, such as fuerzas elementales meaning 'elemental forces'.
Examples in context
- La educación elemental debe ser obligatoria.Elementary education shall be compulsory.This sentence shows how to use elemental to discuss compulsory education.Tatoeba #5974152 by albrusgher, translation #1812089 by Ameer
- Todos los seres pulsan, desde diminutas partículas elementales hasta galaxias gigantes.All entities are pulsating, from tiny elementary particles to giant galaxies.This sentence illustrates how elementales is used to describe particles in a scientific context.Tatoeba #10515691 by carlosalberto, translation #10515677 by carlosalberto
- educación primariaelementary education
- voy a la escuela primariaI am going to elementary school
- estoy en la escuela básicaI am in elementary school
- La educación primaria es fundamental para el desarrollo académico.Elementary education is fundamental for academic development.
- En este colegio, los niños estudian hasta el sexto grado.In this school, children study until sixth grade.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a scientific report about nature.
- AlejandroEs un cambio elemental en el ecosistema.It is an elemental change in the ecosystem.
- SofíaTienes razón, es algo muy básico.You are right, it is something very basic.
- AlejandroDebemos entender cada factor elemental.We must understand every elemental factor.
- SofíaExacto, así entenderemos todo el proceso.Exactly, that way we will understand the whole process.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry elemental, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
