Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| suave | /ˈswabe/ | |
| liso | /ˈliso/ | |
| terso | /ˈteɾso/ | |
| glaxo | /ˈɡlaɡso/ | Peru |
In Spanish, the word for 'smooth' changes based on whether you are describing how something feels, its flatness or its firmness. Use suave for textures that are soft or silky to the touch. If you want to describe a surface that is flat, even and lacks bumps or texture, use liso. To describe a surface that is smooth because it is tight, firm or stretched, such as skin, use terso. If you are speaking formally about an object or surface that has been polished to a smooth and shiny appearance, you might use pulido.
Which one should you use?
suave is used for soft or silky textures like fabric or skin, whereas liso describes a surface that is flat and even rather than bumpy. terso is specifically used for surfaces that are smooth because they are tight or firm. glaxo is a term used in Peru to mean smooth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, the word glaxo is used to mean smooth.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective liso must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. It becomes lisa when modifying feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈswabe/
Did you know?
- The word suave is often used as a command to tell someone to 'take it easy' or 'calm down'.
- The Spanish word suave originally meant 'sweet' or 'pleasant' in Latin. This is why it can describe both a smooth texture and a pleasant sound or smell.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, suave is used to describe a 'smooth' drink, meaning it is mild or not harsh.
Examples in context
- Esta seda se siente suave.This silk feels smooth.This sentence is useful for describing how silk feels using suave.Tatoeba #1732085 by marcelostockle, translation #59409 by CK
- Tom desea tener una piel suave.Tom would like to have a smooth skin.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for smooth skin using suave.Tatoeba #1584721 by termito2nd, translation #1453628 by Spamster
- Está suave como el culito de un bebé.It's as smooth as a baby's bottom.This sentence uses a simile to describe extreme smoothness using suave.Tatoeba #1633299 by Alba, translation #327779 by CM
- La superficie es suaveThe surface is smooth
- Su voz suena suaveHis/her voice sounds smooth
- La piedra es lisaThe stone is smooth
- El vidrio es lisoThe glass is smooth
- La mesa está pulidaThe table is polished
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are checking a new piece of furniture.
- MateoLa superficie de la mesa es muy suave.The surface of the table is very smooth.
- MaríaSí, no tiene ningún relieve.Yes, it doesn't have any texture.
- MateoMe gusta que sea tan suave al tacto.I like that it is so smooth to the touch.
- MaríaEs perfecta para el comedor, Mateo.It is perfect for the dining room, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smooth” translations and entries suave, liso, terso, glaxo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries liso, suave, terso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
