sombras
/sombɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shadows" is translated into Spanish as sombras.
sombras refers to the dark areas or shapes produced by an object blocking light.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, penumbra is occasionally used in formal or literary contexts to refer to shadows.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is sombra. Because sombras is a feminine noun, the definite article used with it must be las.
How do you pronounce it?
/sombɾas/
Did you know?
- The word sombra is also the standard term for 'eye shadow' makeup, whereas English uses two different words for the optical phenomenon and the cosmetic.
- In Spanish, the word sombra can be used to describe a ghostly apparition or a spirit, as seen in classical literature like Don Quixote.
- The phrase estar a la sombra de alguien can mean being under someone's protection. Unlike the English 'living in someone's shadow', which is often negative, the Spanish version can be a positive state of safety.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué acecha en las sombras?What is lurking in the shadows?This sentence shows how to use sombras when asking what is lurking.Tatoeba #2851288 by Leono, translation #2851279 by loghaD
- ¿Quién acecha en las sombras?Who is lurking in the shadows?This sentence shows how to use sombras when asking who is lurking.Tatoeba #2851287 by Leono, translation #2851282 by loghaD
- Ellos se escondieron en las sombras.They hid themselves in the shadows.This sentence shows how to use sombras to describe people hiding.Tatoeba #539216 by Shishir, translation #317691 by CK
- La luz del sol proyectaba largas sombras sobre la pared.The sunlight cast long shadows on the wall.
- Los umbrales de las sombras varían dependiendo de la intensidad de la luz.The thresholds of shadows vary depending on the intensity of light.
- Las sombritas de los árboles jugaban en el suelo durante la tarde.The little shadows of the trees danced on the ground during the afternoon.
- La tenebrosa figura proyectó su sombra en la pared.The eerie figure cast its shadow on the wall.
- La penumbra de la noche envolvía la ciudad.The shadowiness of the night wrapped around the city.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are walking through a park at sunset.
- LucíaMira esas sombras largas en el suelo.Look at those long shadows on the ground.
- AlejandroSí, el sol se está poniendo.Yes, the sun is setting.
- LucíaLas sombras de los árboles son hermosas.The shadows of the trees are beautiful.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía, es muy relajante.You're right, Lucía, it is very relaxing.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
