marco de metal
/maɾko de metal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "metal frame" is translated into Spanish as marco de metal.
A marco de metal refers to a rigid structure made of metal used to support or surround something, such as a picture or a window.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of marco (frame), de (of) and metal (metal).
Which one should you use?
While marco de metal is the standard phrase, bastidor de metal is used specifically when referring to a structural frame or a frame used in art/canvas contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico or Argentina, cuadro metálico can be used to refer to a metal frame. In Spain, the term bastidor metálico is used to indicate a metal frame, especially in artistic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change marco to marcos while metal remains unchanged, resulting in marcos de metal.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾko de metal/
Did you know?
- The word marco is also the name of the former currency in Germany and Finland, acting as a calque of 'Mark' and 'markka'.
- Beyond physical objects, the word marco is used metaphorically in Spanish to describe the 'framework' or 'context' of a legal or theoretical argument.
- The word marco can function as a verb meaning 'to frame' or 'to mark', turning the noun phrase into an action.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar un marco metálico para el cuadro.I need to buy a metal frame for the painting.
- La estructura de metal del edificio es muy resistente.The metal structure of the building is very sturdy.
- El librero tiene un ensamble metálico realmente ingenioso.The bookshelf has a truly ingenious metal frame.
- Compré un marco de metal para colgar el cartel.I bought a metal frame to hang the poster.
- El escritorio tiene un armazón metálico para mayor estabilidad.The desk has a metal frame for added stability.
- La cama tiene una estructura metálica muy resistente.The bed has a very sturdy metal frame.
- El espejo tiene un marco de metal.The mirror has a metal frame.
- Me gusta ese marco de metal para la foto.I like that metal frame for the photo.
- Necesitamos un marco de metal para la ventana.We need a metal frame for the window.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at a new piece of furniture in a shop.
- María¿Viste el nuevo cuadro en la tienda?Did you see the new painting in the shop?
- MateoSí, tiene un marco de metal muy bonito.Yes, it has a very beautiful metal frame.
- MaríaEs perfecto para nuestra sala.It is perfect for our living room.
- MateoEntonces, vamos a comprarlo ahora.Then, let's buy it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, marco, metal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
