How to Say “Line” in Spanish

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línea
/ˈlinea/feminine
In Spanish, the English word "line" can be translated in several ways depending on the context, most commonly as línea. Wiktionary also lists renglón.
Meaning: single horizontal row of text on a screen, printed paper, etc. (noun)

Ways to say it

“line” in Spanish
Spanish IPA Note
línea /ˈlinea/
/ˈlinja/		 feminine
renglón /renˈɡlon/ masculine

The term línea is a general word used for geometric lines, conceptual boundaries, telephone lines or queues. If you are referring specifically to a single horizontal row of text on a screen or printed paper, you may also use renglón.

Which one should you use?

Use renglón specifically when referring to a line of written text or a line in a notebook. Use línea for more general purposes, such as geometric lines, boundaries or telephone lines. While línea can refer to a queue, the word fila is often more natural when describing a queue of people or a physical row of objects.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Latin American countries, the word cola can be used informally to refer to a line or queue. In some Latin American countries, the phrase fila india is used specifically to describe a single-file line.

Related words

Cover the inside surface of (something) (verb): forrar.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈlinea/

Did you know?

  • The word línea is a distant relative of the English word 'linen', as both trace back to the same ancient root for 'flax'.
  • In many Latin American countries, you can use cola to mean a queue, though in Spain this word is almost exclusively used for a 'tail'.

Examples in context

  • No cruce esta línea.
    Don't cross this line.
    This sentence demonstrates how to use línea to indicate a boundary.
    Tatoeba #11736057 by Seael, translation #11602980 by CK
  • La línea está ocupada.
    The line is busy.
    This sentence shows the use of línea in the context of a telephone line.
    Tatoeba #1258383 by marcelostockle, translation #63854 by CK
  • Firma sobre esta línea.
    Sign above this line.
    This sentence illustrates how to use línea when giving instructions to sign a document.
    Tatoeba #1622533 by wallebot, translation #58432 by CK
  • ¿Dónde está la cola para los boletos?
    Where is the line for tickets?
  • ¿Dónde está la fila para comprar?
    Where is the line to buy?
  • ¡Qué fila tan larga!
    What a long line!
  • ¡No puedo creer la cola que hay!
    I can't believe how long the line is!
  • ¡Oye! ¿Hay que hacer cola para entrar?
    Hey! Do we have to line up to get in?
  • 88 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

María and Javier are reviewing a written document together.

  1. María

    Lee la segunda línea del párrafo.
    Read the second line of the paragraph.
  2. Javier

    Esta línea es muy larga, María.
    This line is very long, María.
  3. María

    Tienes razón, Javier. Hay que borrarla.
    You are right, Javier. We have to delete it.
  4. Javier

    Ahora el texto se ve mucho mejor.
    Now the text looks much better.

Sources

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Kristen Scarlett
Kristen ScarlettHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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