metáfora
/meˈtafoɾa/feminine
The Spanish word for metaphor is metáfora.
Meaning: uncountable: figure of speech (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
metáfora is a feminine noun. This means it uses the feminine article la (the metaphor) or the feminine adjective una (a metaphor). To express the plural, use metáforas.
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈtafoɾa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, there is a sharp distinction between a metáfora and a comparación. While English often uses 'metaphor' for both, a Spanish comparación must explicitly use the word como meaning 'as' or 'like'.
- During the Spanish Golden Age, the use of the metáfora was pushed to an extreme called conceptismo. This style treated metaphors as intricate intellectual puzzles designed to challenge the reader.
- While English speakers use 'metaphor' to describe a figure of speech, in many Spanish-speaking contexts, calling an idea a metáfora can imply that the person is being poetic or even evasive rather than literal.
Examples in context
- Pensé que era solo una metáfora.I thought it was just a metaphor.This sentence illustrates how to express the idea that something was thought to be a metaphor.Tatoeba #2129496 by marcelostockle, translation #1961364 by CK
- Esta es una metáfora.This is a metaphor.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific metaphor.Tatoeba #11320521 by carlosalberto, translation #9373350 by CK
- ¿Cuál es tu metáfora favorita?What's your favorite metaphor?This sentence shows how to ask about someone's favorite metaphor.Tatoeba #1061563 by alexmarcelo, translation #906812 by CK
- María es un sol radiante.María is a radiant sun.
- El amor es un fuego que arde sin ser visto.Love is a fire that burns unseen.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a poem in class.
- MaríaNo entiendo esta metáfora.I don't understand this metaphor.
- JavierEs una metáfora sobre el tiempo.It is a metaphor about time.
- MaríaAh, ahora lo entiendo, Javier.Oh, now I understand, Javier.
- JavierEs una metáfora muy bonita.It is a very beautiful metaphor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “metaphor” translations and entries metáfora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
