fuera de forma
/fweɾa de foɾma/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'out of shape' is translated into Spanish as fuera de forma. Wiktionary also lists en mala forma.
Meaning: in bad condition (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| fuera de forma | /fweɾa de foɾma/ (from spelling rules) |
| en mala forma | /en mala foɾma/ (from spelling rules) |
This phrase is used to describe being in bad condition.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fuera de forma is composed of fuera (out of), de (of) and forma (shape).
Which one should you use?
Fuera de forma specifically implies a lack of physical fitness, whereas en mala forma is a more literal translation of being in bad condition and is less commonly used to describe athletic fitness.
How do you pronounce it?
/fweɾa de foɾma/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might be tempted to say fuera de forma física, but fuera de forma is the standard idiomatic way to express being out of shape regarding fitness.
Did you know?
- The word fuera originates from the Latin word forās, which specifically meant 'out of doors'.
- While fuera de forma refers to fitness, Spanish uses the word forma in different ways to describe a person's manner or behavior.
- While fuera de forma refers to fitness, the word fuera can also function as a verb conjugation in certain literary or formal contexts.
Examples in context
- Hoy estoy fuera de forma.I'm out of shape today.Tatoeba #678795 by humbertovs, translation #242919 by Dejo
- Me temo que estoy un poco fuera de forma.I'm afraid I'm a bit out of shape.Tatoeba #13974900 by mervert1, translation #1839526 by CK
- Estoy en mala forma física. Necesito hacer más ejercicio.I'm out of shape. I need to exercise more.
- Estoy fuera de forma. Debo comenzar a ir al gimnasio.I'm out of shape. I should start going to the gym.
- Después de las vacaciones, estoy fuera de forma.After the holidays, I am out of shape.
Example conversation
Javier and María are at a local park.
- Javier¿Quieres correr conmigo por el parque?Do you want to run with me through the park?
- MaríaNo puedo, estoy muy fuera de forma.I can't, I am very out of shape.
- JavierNo te preocupes, podemos caminar despacio.Don't worry, we can walk slowly.
- MaríaVale, me parece un buen plan.Okay, that sounds like a good plan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “out of shape” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, en, forma, fuera, mala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
