forma
/ˈfoɾma/feminine
The English word "shape" is translated into Spanish as forma.
Forma is a common and neutral way to express shape. When talking about being in good physical condition or fitness, the idiomatic phrase en forma is used. Conversely, if someone lacks fitness, the phrase fuera de forma is used to mean "out of shape". While forma can refer to the physical outline of an object, it also serves as the standard term for physical fitness in those specific prepositional phrases.
Meaning: appearance or outline (noun)
Which one should you use?
While forma is the neutral term for shape or form, other words may be more specific: figura is often used when referring to the shape of an object or a figure and estructura can be employed to talk about the shape of something in scientific or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of forma is formas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfoɾma/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses forma to describe the way someone speaks or behaves, such as in su forma de ser, which translates to 'their way of being' or personality.
- The word horma is a linguistic relative of forma, but it specifically refers to the 'shape' or 'mold' used by shoemakers.
- The word forma can also mean 'way' or 'manner' in many contexts, such as in the phrase de ninguna forma, which means 'in no way'.
Examples in context
- No estoy en forma.I'm not in good shape.This sentence shows how to use the word forma to say one is not in good shape.Tatoeba #2125326 by Shishir, translation #610035 by CM
- Me voy a poner en forma.I'm going to get in shape.This sentence demonstrates the use of forma when saying one is going to get in shape.Tatoeba #7181461 by arh, translation #9668461 by DJ_Saidez
- Hoy estoy fuera de forma.I'm out of shape today.This sentence uses forma to express being out of shape.Tatoeba #678795 by humbertovs, translation #242919 by Dejo
- El triángulo es una forma geométricaThe triangle is a geometric shape
- El niño recortó una figura de papelThe child cut out a paper shape
- La molécula tiene una estructura de anilloThe molecule has a ring shape
- ¡Mira qué linda formita tiene el globo!Look at the cute shape the balloon has!
- El vaso tiene una forma cilíndrica.The glass has a cylindrical shape.
- Recorta una forma de estrella para el proyecto de arte.Cut out a star shape for the art project.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are looking at a piece of modern art in a gallery.
- Sofía¿Qué te parece la forma de esa escultura?What do you think of the shape of that sculpture?
- JavierLa forma es muy extraña, pero interesante.The shape is very strange, but interesting.
- SofíaCreo que tiene una forma muy orgánica.I think it has a very organic shape.
- JavierTienes razón, Sofía, me gusta mucho.You're right, Sofía, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shape” translations and entries forma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries forma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
