sombra
/ˈsombɾa/feminine
The English word 'shade' is translated into Spanish as sombra.
sombra is a feminine noun used to refer to the darkness created when light is blocked. This includes both 'shade' (an area of protection from light) and the 'shadow' cast by an object.
Meaning: darkness where light is blocked (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers often distinguish between 'shade' and 'shadow', but in Spanish, the single word sombra covers both concepts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sombra is sombras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsombɾa/
When do people say it?
In informal Spanish, the humorous expression Quítate de en medio que haces más sombra que un pino (Get out of the way, you're casting more shade than a pine tree) can be used to joke about someone blocking the sun.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word sombra also refers to eyeshadow makeup. When you see sombra de ojos in a beauty store, it literally means 'shade of eyes'.
- The word sombra shares a common ancestor with the English word 'umbrella', which comes from the Latin 'umbra' meaning 'shade'.
- The expression hacer sombra (to make shadow) is often used to describe someone who is outshining or eclipsing another person's talent or importance.
Examples in context
- Esa planta necesita sombra.This plant needs shade.This sentence is useful for describing the needs of a plant regarding sombra.Tatoeba #7276656 by arh, translation #9495651 by DJ_Saidez
- Estamos echados a la sombra.We're lying in the shade.This sentence is useful for describing the action of lying in the sombra.Tatoeba #7646246 by diegohn, translation #5628535 by mailohilohi
- Vamos a sentarnos a la sombra.Let's go and sit in the shade.This sentence is useful for describing the action of sitting in the sombra.Tatoeba #3099176 by marcelostockle, translation #2495036 by CK
- Este sombrero me protege del solThis hat shades me from the sun
- Qué agradable estar bajo esta sombraHow pleasant it is to be under this shade
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A hot afternoon at the park.
- MaríaHace mucho calor.It is very hot.
- DanielBusquemos la sombra de ese árbol.Let's look for the shade of that tree.
- MaríaEs una buena idea, Daniel.That is a good idea, Daniel.
- DanielAquí hay mucha sombra.There is a lot of shade here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shade” translations and entries sombra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sombra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
