superficie
/supeɾˈfiθje/
The English word "surface" is translated into Spanish as superficie.
superficie refers to the outside hull of a tangible object. You can use the phrase superficie exterior to specifically discuss the surface on the outside of an object, and adding the word plana after superficie emphasizes a flat surface.
Meaning: outside hull of a tangible object (noun)
Which one should you use?
While superficie refers to the physical surface of an object, superficial (superficial) is used to describe things that lack depth or are shallow.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of superficie is superficies.
How do you pronounce it?
/supeɾˈfiθje/
Did you know?
- While superficie describes a physical area, Spanish uses the word cara (meaning 'face') to refer to the surface of a geometric shape or a die.
- In a mathematical context, if you are discussing the area of a shape, you would use superficie as a synonym for 'area', whereas in English 'surface' and 'area' are often treated as distinct concepts.
- The adjective superficial can be used in a medical context to describe a wound that has not penetrated deeply into the tissue.
Examples in context
- Su odio borboteaba a la superficie.Her hatred bubbled to the surface.This sentence shows how a feeling can bubble to the superficie.Tatoeba #5128785 by albrusgher, translation #4515717 by Amastan
- Su superficie era lisa como un espejo.Its surface was as flat as a mirror.This sentence describes an object with a superficie as smooth as a mirror.Tatoeba #1216605 by wallebot, translation #44090 by mamat
- La superficie de la luna es irregular.The surface of the moon is irregular.This sentence describes the irregular superficie of the moon.Tatoeba #1838370 by hayastan, translation #238817 by CM
- El ingeniero estudió la superficie del terreno antes de construir la casa.The engineer studied the surface of the land before building the house.
- Limpia la superficie plana antes de colocar los utensilios.Clean the flat surface before placing the utensils.
- La pintura protege la superficie exterior del automóvil.The paint protects the exterior surface of the car.
- La mancha no sale del todo de la superficie de la mesa.The stain doesn't come off the surface of the table completely.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are examining a damaged boat in a shipyard.
- Elena¿Ves ese rasguño en la superficie del bote?Do you see that scratch on the surface of the boat?
- DanielSí, la superficie del casco está muy dañada.Yes, the surface of the hull is very damaged.
- ElenaEs un problema grave para la estructura.It is a serious problem for the structure.
- DanielTendremos que pulir toda la superficie.We will have to polish the entire surface.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry superficie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
