figuras
/fiɡuɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "shapes" is translated into Spanish as figuras.
figuras is used when referring to geometric or distinct shapes. Examples include Círculo (circle), Cuadrado (square), Triángulo (triangle), Rectángulo (rectangle), Óvalo (oval), Estrella (star), Corazón (heart) and Diamante (diamond). You might use diminutive forms to describe small shapes, such as Un cuadrito muy bonito (a very cute little square), El corazón rojito (the little red heart) or Tengo un triángulo pequeñito (I have a tiny triangle).
Which one should you use?
While figuras refers to geometric or distinct shapes, the word formas is used for more general forms or the physical shape of an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of figuras is figura. In mathematical contexts, formas geométricas is a common alternative to figuras geométricas.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiɡuɾas/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a 'shape' or 'figure' in a drawing is called a monigote if it is a simple, crude sketch of a person.
- Calling someone una figura in Spanish is a way to describe them as a prominent or highly important person in their field, much like calling someone a 'big name' in English.
- While figura describes a person's physical build, the phrase for being 'out of shape' uses the different word forma in fuera de forma.
Examples in context
- Figuras geométricas importantes son el triángulo, el cuadrado, el rectángulo, el círculo, el paralelogramo y el trapecio.Some important geometric shapes are the triangle, the square, the rectangle, the circle, the parallelogram and the trapezium.This sentence is useful for listing different types of geometric shapes using figuras.Tatoeba #1134239 by marcelostockle, translation #1363639 by marcelostockle
- El triángulo tiene tres lados iguales.The triangle has three equal sides.
- Me encanta el corazón rojo que dibujaste.I love the red heart you drew.
- ¿Puedes cortar el cuadrado en dos triángulos?Can you cut the square into two triangles?
- Mi hijo hizo un dibujo de una estrella brillante.My son made a drawing of a shining star.
- Ella tiene una pulsera en forma de círculo.She has a bracelet in the shape of a circle.
- Las figuras en el dibujo son muy simples.The shapes in the drawing are very simple.
- ¿Puedes identificar estas figuras en la pantalla?Can you identify these shapes on the screen?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a child's coloring book.
- JavierMira estas figuras de colores en el libro.Look at these colorful shapes in the book.
- ElenaSon muy bonitas, pero son difíciles de colorear.They are very pretty, but they are difficult to color.
- JavierElena, ¿podemos usar las crayolas para las figuras?Elena, can we use the crayons for the shapes?
- ElenaSí, usaremos las crayolas para todo.Yes, we will use the crayons for everything.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
