Learn About Nouns in Spanish
This page provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using nouns in Spanish. Includes examples and exercises.
especial
special
The Spanish word 'especial' is used much like the English word 'special'. This adjective can be applied to people, things, or events that are unique, exceptional, or stand out in some way. Like in English, 'especial' can also refer to something designed for a particular purpose or occasion. Bear in mind, the word 'especial' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Example sentences with especial →especialista
specialist
The word 'especialista' is a noun in Spanish language. Its English equivalent is 'specialist'. It is commonly used to refer to someone who is an expert in a particular field or subject matter. Like for example, 'especialista en medicina' translates to 'specialist in medicine', denoting a person who has great deal of knowledge, skill, or expertise in the field of medicine.
Example sentences with especialista →especias
spices
The word 'especias' in Spanish can be translated to 'spices' in English. This noun is often used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to various kinds of aromatic substances, such as pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and nutmeg, which are used in cooking to enhance the flavor, color, or aroma of certain dishes. Much like in English, 'especias' can also be metaphorically used to describe additions of variety or interest.
específico
specific
The Spanish word 'específico' is used quite similarly to how 'specific' is used in English. It is mainly used to detail something exactly and precisely, especially when differentiating it from other things. It can be used in a variety of contexts including science, conversation, and writing.
Example sentences with específico →espejo
mirror
A mirror is an object that reflects an image. In the household context, people often use it to observe their own appearance, for grooming or admiring oneself.
Example sentences with espejo →esperanza
hope
The Spanish word for 'hope' is 'esperanza'. It is a noun used in many of the same contexts as it is in English, such as to express a desire or anticipation for a certain outcome or event. It can also be a common female name in Spanish-speaking cultures.
Example sentences with esperanza →esperar
wait
In Spanish, 'esperar' is used when we want to express waiting. Just as in English, it can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: 'Esperar en la fila' (Wait in line), 'Esperar a alguien' (Wait for someone), or 'Esperar que algo suceda' (Wait for something to happen). It's also used to express hope or expectation e.g. 'Espero que estés bien' (I hope you're well).
Example sentences with esperar →espinacas
spinach
The Spanish word 'espinacas' translates to 'spinach' in English. It is used to refer to a particular type of leafy green vegetable that is highly nutritious and can be cooked or eaten raw. It is included in both hot dishes such as soup, sautéed as a side dish, or part of a main dish, and in fresh dishes such as salads or sandwiches.
espíritu
spirit
The Spanish word 'espíritu' translates to 'spirit' in English. It is used in a variety of contexts, like referring to the inner character or quality of a person, such as 'espíritu de lucha' meaning 'fighting spirit'. Alternatively, it could refer to the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character, the soul. Also in a religious context, it is often used to refer to a holy spirit or supernatural beings. Similarly, it is used in phrases to convey the underlying intention or ethos of something, as in 'espíritu de la ley' which means 'the spirit of the law'.
Example sentences with espíritu →esposa
wife
The Spanish word for 'wife' is 'esposa'. It is used in the same way as in English, to refer to a married woman, especially in relation to her spouse. It could be used in several contexts, such as introducing one's wife ('Esta es mi esposa') or speaking about one's wife ('Mi esposa es profesora'). It's important to note that it always needs to accord with the female gender, even in adjectival agreement.
Example sentences with esposa →esposo
husband
The word 'esposo' is used in Spanish to refer to a spouse who is a man or male partner in a marital relationship. The term 'esposo' is extensively used in both formal and colloquial contexts. Synonyms for 'esposo' can include 'marido' but 'esposo' is most universally understood.
Example sentences with esposo →esqueleto
skeleton
The word 'esqueleto' in Spanish translates to 'skeleton' in English. A skeleton is the internal framework of bones within the body of a living organism. In Spanish, 'esqueleto' is commonly used in both scientific and casual contexts, just like its English counterpart, to refer to the structure that supports and protects an organism's body parts. This framework plays a crucial role in movement as it provides attachment points for muscles and capacities for internal organs. It is a frequently used term in biological and medical sciences, as well as in popular culture, arts, and literature, often conveying symbolic meanings.
esquíes
skis
The Spanish word 'esquíes' translates to 'skis' in English. 'Esquíes' is a noun, pronounced 'es-KEE-es', and it's typically used in the context of snow activities, winter sports or skiing equipment. As Spanish nouns are gendered, 'esquíes' is masculine and plural. For example, in a sentence, it could be used as 'Los esquíes están en el garaje', which means 'The skis are in the garage'.
esta noche
tonight
The Spanish phrase 'esta noche' directly translates to 'this night' in English, but is commonly used to mean 'tonight'. It is often used in the context of discussing plans or events occurring in the evening of the current day. E.g. Vamos a cenar esta noche, translates to 'We are going to have dinner tonight.'
Example sentences with esta noche →establecimiento
establishment
The Spanish word 'establecimiento' translates to 'establishment' in English. This word can be used in various contexts including business, education, and more. For instance, it can refer to a place of business or a public or private institution. Similarly, the term can also indicate the act or process of establishing something or being established. In a legal context, it may refer to a formal declaration or settlement. It's a noun and is often used in formal contexts or official documentation.
establo
stable
The Spanish word 'establo' translates to 'stable' in English. In context, it refers to the building where domesticated animals, especially horses, are kept. It is often used in the context of farming and equestrian activities. It's essential to observe that the Spanish term 'establo' has a similar usage and meaning as the English term 'stable'. Therefore, one can understand and use it effortlessly in conversations related to farming, horse-riding, or country life in general.
Example sentences with establo →estación
station
An 'Estación' can refer to a bus or train station. It's a designated place where buses or trains stop to pick up or drop off passengers.
Example sentences with estación →estación de autobuses
bus station
The Spanish phrase 'estación de autobuses' translates to 'bus station' in English. A 'bus station' is a structure where city or intercity buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers. It's a central hub of public transportation, often located in city centers or busy neighborhoods, where various bus routes converge. In Spanish speaking countries, 'estación de autobuses' are common and an important part of public transportation infrastructure.
Example sentences with estación de autobuses →estadio
stadium
An 'Estadio' is a large structure or venue for sports, concerts, or events. It usually has a field or stage surrounded by tiers of seating for spectators.
Example sentences with estadio →estado
state
The word 'estado' in Spanish translates to 'state' in English. It's used in a similar context, such as when referring to the condition of someone or something, a state in a country, or expressing a particular condition that something is in. An example phrase would be 'El estado de la habitación' which translates to 'The state of the room.'
Example sentences with estado →estándar
standard
The Spanish word 'estándar' is used much like its English counterpart 'standard'. It can refer to a level of quality, a rule or principle that is used as a basis for judgment, or an average or normal requirement. It is often used in the context of conformity, guidelines, specifications, or measurements.
Example sentences with estándar →este
east
The Spanish word 'este' is used to describe the cardinal direction east. It is equivalent to the English term and can be used in similar contexts, such as geographical descriptions, navigational instructions, or even more symbolic contexts like referring to the direction of the sunrise.
Example sentences with este →estilo propio
style
'Estilo propio' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'own style' in English. It does not merely refer to style in a generic sense but to a style that is distinctive or unique to a person or thing. It could pertain to one's personal fashion sense, a unique method of doing things, or an individual artistic expression, among others things. This phrase emphasizes individuality and personal touch in the context it is used.
Example sentences with estilo propio →estómago
stomach
The word 'estómago' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'stomach' in English. It is often used in both medical and everyday contexts. In anatomy, the 'estómago' is part of the digestive system where the process of digestion begins. The word is masculine and so it would be 'el estómago'.
estrategia
strategy
The Spanish word for strategy is 'estrategia', which is used in the context of planning or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim. It can be related to various contexts like war, politics, negotiations, businesses, games, or in a more general sense while developing a plan or a method or a series of maneuvers to achieve a specific goal.
Example sentences with estrategia →estrechar(se) un vínculo
link
'Estrechar(se) un vínculo' is a Spanish phrase meaning 'to tighten a bond' or 'strengthen a connection'. It is composed of the verb 'estrechar' that translates to 'tighten' or 'narrow' and the noun 'vínculo' that is translated as 'bond' or 'link'. The phrase usually implies improving a relationship or connection, often through shared experiences or time spent together.
estrés
stress
The Spanish word 'estrés' is translated into English as 'stress'. This term often refers to a feeling of emotional or physical tension, which can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry or nervous. Stress is a normal part of life and can be beneficial in some situations, providing a boost of energy or helping to meet daily challenges. But if it becomes chronic, it can become harmful and lead to significant health problems.
estropajo
ruin
The Spanish word 'estropajo' does not exactly translate to 'ruin' in English. Instead, it is most commonly referred to as 'scouring pad' or 'scrub brush'. It is typically used to refer to a coarse or rough cleaning tool often used for scrubbing pots and other kitchen utensils.
evidencia
evidence
The Spanish term for 'evidence' is 'evidencia'. It is used exactly the same way as in English, referring to the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. For example, 'Hay evidencia de que estuvo allí' - 'There is evidence that he was there'.
Example sentences with evidencia →ex marido
ex-husband
The Spanish word 'ex marido' translates to 'ex-husband' in English. It is used to refer to a man to whom someone was formerly married, similar to how the term 'ex-husband' is used in English. Typically, it refers to a previous partner in a dissolved marriage.