marco de cristal
/maɾko de kɾistal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "glass frame" is translated into Spanish as marco de cristal.
marco de cristal refers to a border or support made of glass used to hold a picture or mirror.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of marco (frame), de (of) and cristal (glass/crystal).
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾko de kɾistal/
Did you know?
- The word cristal actually shares its roots with the Greek word for 'ice', because ancient people believed that clear crystals were actually chunks of ice that had frozen so hard they could never melt.
- If you were to use the word cristal to describe a person's voice, you would be saying it is exceptionally clear and pure, much like the material.
- Because marco stems from a root meaning 'boundary', it can be used in Spanish to describe the 'scope' of a project or a legal 'framework', which is more formal than the physical 'frame' of a picture.
Examples in context
- El marco de cristal es muy elegante.The glass frame is very elegant.
- Necesito un marco de cristal para esta foto.I need a glass frame for this photo.
- Ten cuidado con el marco de cristal.Be careful with the glass frame.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at decorations in a store.
- María¿Te gusta este marco de cristal?Do you like this glass frame?
- MateoSí, es perfecto para el regalo de mamá.Yes, it is perfect for mom's gift.
- MaríaEl marco de cristal es muy delicado.The glass frame is very delicate.
- MateoLo llevaré con mucho cuidado.I will carry it very carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cristal, de, marco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
