trapezoide
/tɾapeθoide/from spelling rules
The English word 'trapezoid' is trapezoide in Spanish.
The term refers to a quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides.
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking mathematical contexts, trapecio is used specifically for a trapezoid with at least one pair of parallel sides, whereas trapezoide can sometimes refer to a quadrilateral with no parallel sides, depending on the specific regional mathematical convention used.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾapeθoide/
Did you know?
- The word trapecio is used not only for the shape but also for the muscle that supports the shoulder and neck.
- If you are in a circus, the 'trapeze' is called a trapecio in Spanish, linking the gymnastic equipment to the geometric shape.
- The word trapezoide is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word trapezoeidḗs. This connects the modern Spanish mathematical term to its classical roots.
Examples in context
- El trapecio tiene una base más larga que la otraThe trapezoid has one longer base than the other
- El área de la figura trapezoidal se puede calcular utilizando una fórmula específicaThe area of the trapezoidal figure can be calculated using a specific formula
- Mira este trapecito que dibujé en mi cuadernoLook at this little trapezoid I drew in my notebook
- Me gusta dibujar figuras geométricas, especialmente el trapecioI enjoy drawing geometric shapes, especially the trapezoid
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are studying geometry together.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿qué es esta figura?Sofía, what is this figure?
- SofíaEs un trapezoide, Alejandro.It is a trapezoid, Alejandro.
- AlejandroNo recuerdo la definición exacta.I don't remember the exact definition.
- SofíaTiene al menos un par de lados paralelos.It has at least one pair of parallel sides.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry trapezoide, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trapezoide, CC BY-SA 4.0.
