símil
/ˈsimil/masculine
The Spanish word for 'simile' is símil.
A símil is a figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another. It is a masculine noun.
Meaning: figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another (noun)
Which one should you use?
A símil uses explicit comparison words such as como (like), whereas a metáfora describes one thing as being another without using such comparison words.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of símil is símiles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsimil/
Did you know?
- In Spanish literary analysis, a símil is often called a comparación. While they are mostly interchangeable, comparación is more frequently used in primary education.
- Spanish poets use the símil to construct imágenes sensoriales. These are specific figurative phrases designed to trigger a physical sensation like smell or touch in the reader.
- A símil is a specific type of tropo. In Spanish literary theory, a tropo is any word used in a way that deviates from its literal meaning.
Examples in context
- La niña es como una rosaThe girl is like a rose
- Esa fiesta fue como un carnavalThat party was like a carnival
- Mi hermana es güera, parece un ángelMy sister is fair-skinned, she looks like an angel
- La risa de mi abuela es como una sinfoníaMy grandmother's laughter is like a symphony
- La ciudad es parecida a un hormigueroThe city is similar to an anthill
- El mar parece un espejo giganteThe sea looks like a giant mirror
- El poema utiliza un símil muy claro.The poem uses a very clear simile.
- No entiendo el sentido de este símil.I don't understand the sense of this simile.
- Ese símil es demasiado exagerado.That simile is too exaggerated.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a book in a library.
- Alejandro¿Qué te parece este símil en el libro?What do you think of this simile in the book?
- ElenaEs un símil muy hermoso, Alejandro.It is a very beautiful simile, Alejandro.
- AlejandroMe ayuda a visualizar mejor la escena.It helps me visualize the scene better.
- ElenaTienes razón, es muy efectivo.You are right, it is very effective.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “simile” translations and entries símil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
