material
/mateˈɾjal/
The Spanish word for material is material.
The word material refers to the substance of which something is composed or can be made.
Meaning: substance of which something composed of or can be made of (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of material is materiales.
How do you pronounce it?
/mateˈɾjal/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of material relates to 'mother' through an ancient linguistic connection, though the meanings have drifted far apart in modern usage.
- While English uses 'material' for fabric, Spanish speakers more commonly use the word tela when referring to the cloth used to make clothing.
- Spanish uses material to describe the content of a creative work, such as a musician referring to their new songs as material nuevo.
Examples in context
- Este material absorbe el CO₂.This material absorbs CO2.This sentence is useful for showing how a material reacts with CO₂.Tatoeba #10911337 by Eremon, translation #2769799 by Hybrid
- Vamos a probar el nuevo material.We're going to test the new material.This sentence is useful for discussing the testing of a new material.Tatoeba #2270088 by Shishir, translation #2270087 by _undertoad
- Este material se estira fácilmente.This material stretches easily.This sentence is useful for describing the physical property of a material stretching.Tatoeba #983487 by hayastan, translation #58231 by CK
- El material necesario para el proyecto ha sido entregadoThe material required for the project has been delivered
- La fábrica requiere más materia prima para completar la producciónThe factory requires more raw material to complete the production
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar el material de trabajo necesario?Where can I find the necessary work material?
- El profesor mostró el material didáctico para la próxima claseThe teacher presented the educational materials for the next class
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at fabrics for a new sofa.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta este material para el sofá?Do you like this material for the sofa?
- MaríaEs bonito, pero el material es algo áspero.It's pretty, but the material is a bit rough.
- AlejandroTienes razón, busquemos otro material.You are right, let's look for another material.
- MaríaSí, quiero algo más suave para la casa.Yes, I want something softer for the house.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry material, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries material, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
