sombra
/ˈsombɾa/
The English word 'shadow' is translated into Spanish as sombra.
sombra refers to an area protected from light by an obstacle, such as a tree providing shade or the dark shape cast by an object. In Spanish, the single word sombra is used for both the English concepts of 'shadow' and 'shade'. For example, if a tree provides shade, you would use the phrase dar sombra. Additionally, the compound phrase sombra de ojos is used specifically to mean 'eye shadow'.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers often distinguish between a 'shadow' (the dark shape) and 'shade' (the cool area protected from light), but Spanish uses sombra to cover both meanings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sombra is sombras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsombɾa/
Did you know?
- The word sombra might have evolved from the Latin phrase sub illa umbra, which translates to 'under that shade'.
- The word sombra is a key part of the term sombrilla, which means 'parasol' or 'beach umbrella'. It literally describes a small, portable piece of 'shade'.
- In the context of a professional or legal setting, the term en la sombra is used to describe things happening 'behind the scenes' or 'under the table'.
Examples in context
- No hay luz sin sombra.There's no light without a shadow.This sentence illustrates the concept of light and sombra.Tatoeba #1771589 by Shishir, translation #1538897 by Scott
- Mary lleva sombra de ojos.Mary is wearing eye shadow.This sentence shows how sombra is used in the phrase for eye shadow.Tatoeba #8026686 by Seael, translation #3447070 by CK
- El mal es solo una sombra.Evil is but a shadow.This sentence uses sombra in a metaphorical sense.Tatoeba #9188981 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9188986 by rafaeldejesus8199
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A sunny day at the park.
- MateoHace mucho calor hoy.It is very hot today.
- LucíaSí, busquemos una sombra.Yes, let's look for some shade.
- MateoEsa mesa tiene buena sombra.That table has good shade.
- LucíaPerfecto, vamos allí.Perfect, let's go there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
