Learn About Nouns in Spanish
This page provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using nouns in Spanish. Includes examples and exercises.
país
country
The Spanish word for 'country' is 'país'. It is used similarly to English, to refer to a nation or state. For example, 'Estados Unidos es un país' - United States is a country. The plural is 'paises' which means 'countries'.
Example sentences with país →paisajista
landscape
The Spanish word 'paisajista' translates to 'landscape' in English. This term is usually used to refer to the visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, bodies of water, plants, structures, and other similar features. 'Paisajista' could also refer to a person who is a landscape artist or a landscape architect, one who designs, plans, and manages the landscape.
Example sentences with paisajista →pájaro
bird
A warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by the possession of feathers, beaks, and typically by being able to fly.
Example sentences with pájaro →palabra
word
The Spanish term 'palabra' literally translates into 'word' in English. It is used in the same way as in English, to represent a single distinct meaningful unit of language that has spelling and pronunciation. It can be used in a sentence like 'una palabra en español' which means 'a word in Spanish.'
Example sentences with palabra →palma de la mano
palm of the hand
The phrase 'palma de la mano' in Spanish refers to the inner surface of an individual’s hand. This term is often used in a medical context or generally in the description of parts of the body. In English, it is translated as 'palm of the hand'.
pan
bread
'Pan' means 'bread' in English. Bread is a universal food, often consumed in breakfast meals in Spanish-speaking nations, making this word one of the first food-related words to learn in Spanish.
Example sentences with pan →páncreas
pancreas
The Spanish word 'páncreas' translates to 'pancreas' in English. It is a noun that denotes a large gland behind the stomach which secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. These enzymes help in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. 'Páncreas' is used in the same context in Spanish-speaking countries.
pantalla
screen
The Spanish word 'pantalla' translates to 'screen' in English. It can be used in many contexts such as computer screen, phone screen, TV screen, or even a movie screen. It's a very useful word to know as we commonly use screens in our everyday life. For example, you can say 'La pantalla de mi computadora está rota' which translates to 'The screen of my computer is broken'.
Example sentences with pantalla →pantalones
pants
A piece of clothing covering the body from the waist to the ankles, with a separate part for each leg.
Example sentences with pantalones →papá
dad
The word 'papá' in Spanish translates commonly to 'dad' in English. It's used in informal communication and is quite universal, being utilized in many Spanish-speaking regions. It denotes a familial relationship, specifically a paternal figure or father. Similar to 'dad' in English, 'papá' is typically less formal than 'padre', which also means father. It's an easy-to-remember and often taught early on in Spanish language education.
papel
paper
The Spanish word for paper is 'papel'. It is used in the same context as the English word 'paper'. For instance, you might use it when talking about writing or drawing on a piece of 'papel'. It's also commonly used in expressions such as 'papel de impresora' which means printer paper, and 'papel higiénico', which means toilet paper.
Example sentences with papel →pared
wall
The Spanish word for 'wall', 'pared', is used in a same way as in English. It refers to a vertical structure, often made of stone or brick, that divides or surrounds an area. However, it's important to note that 'pared' is generally used for interior walls. For referring to an exterior wall or a wall of a building, you'd often use the word 'muro'.
Example sentences with pared →pareja
couple
The Spanish word 'pareja' translates to 'couple' in English. This could refer to two people in a romantic relationship, two people paired together, or simply two items that are grouped together. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example sentences with pareja →parque
park
A 'Parque' is a green area designated for recreational activities in a town or city. It may include playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic spots.
Example sentences with parque →parte
part
The Spanish word for 'part' is 'parte'. You can use it in sentences to refer to a piece, section, or portion of something, or a role played by someone in a particular situation. Like in English, it's a very versatile word in Spanish, too.
Example sentences with parte →partido de baloncesto
basketball game
The Spanish phrase 'partido de baloncesto' translates into English as 'basketball game'. It is used to refer to an event where two teams play the sport of basketball against each other, typically in a structured competition. This might be in a formal setting, such as a professional league or tournament, or a casual context, like a community game or school sports event. The length of the game can vary, but it is typically composed of four periods or quarters of game time.
partido de fútbol
football game
The Spanish term 'partido de fútbol' translates to 'football game' in English. It implies a competitive event where two teams play against each other in the game of football. Each team tries to score more goals than the other during a prespecified duration.
pasado
past
The Spanish word 'pasado' is used similarly to the English 'past'. It can be used to denote the time that has elapsed (e.g., 'En el pasado, las cosas eran diferentes' means 'In the past, things were different') or to describe the past tense in grammar. It is also used in some phrases and idiomatic expressions.
Example sentences with pasado →pasajero
passenger
The Spanish word 'pasajero' translates to 'passenger' in English. It is often used to refer to a person who is traveling in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, train, plane, or ship, but is not operating it or part of the crew. The term 'pasajero' can be used in various contexts, including transportation, travel, and tourism. It is an important term to know when traveling in Spanish-speaking regions.
Example sentences with pasajero →pasaporte
passport
'Pasaporte', the Spanish term for 'passport'. It is a government-issued document that verifies one's identity and nationality.
Example sentences with pasaporte →pasar
pass
The Spanish word 'pasar' means to 'pass' in English. It can be used in a wide range of contexts. For instance, 'pasar' could mean to physically move something or someone from one place to another, to surpass or exceed something or someone, to an action happening or proceeding, to undergo or suffer something, or to spend time, among other uses. It's widely used in daily conversation.
Example sentences with pasar →paso
step
In Spanish, 'paso' translates to 'step' in English. In most contexts, it's used to refer to a single movement of one foot in walking or running. It's equally used to refer to a way, path, or course of action. For example, 'El primer paso es siempre el más duro', which means 'The first step is always the hardest'.
Example sentences with paso →pasta
pasta
Pasta is a type of Italian dish typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or various shapes.
Example sentences with pasta →pasta de dientes
toothpaste
The Spanish term 'pasta de dientes' translates to 'toothpaste' in English. It is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene, serving as an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque, and food from the teeth. These usages control halitosis and deliver active ingredients such as fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Example sentences with pasta de dientes →pastilla de jabón
bar of soap
The Spanish phrase 'pastilla de jabón' translates to 'bar of soap' in English. It is a common item in hygiene and daily routine, especially in the bathroom where it is used for washing hands or body. It exists in various kinds, colors, shapes, and scents in the market.
Example sentences with pastilla de jabón →patata
potato
The word 'patata' in Spanish translates to 'potato' in English. It refers to the starchy tuber of a plant that belongs to the nightshade family, which is widely used in cooking in many different ways. This word may also refer to the plant itself. The term 'patata' is used in Spain, whereas 'papa' is more commonly used in Latin America.
patience
paciencia
'Paciencia' means the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed. In learning, patience plays a key role as not all subjects or skills can be mastered instantly and require consistent practice.
Example sentences with patience →pato
duck
A duck is a bird that is also a common name for a wide variety of waterfowl. Ducks are mostly aquatic birds, smaller than swans and geese, and may be found in both fresh and seawater.
Example sentences with pato →paz
peace
The Spanish word 'paz' is used nearly identically to how 'peace' is used in English. It can refer to a state of tranquility or quiet, but is often used in political and social contexts to refer to the absence of war or conflict. Like in English, 'paz' is a common word used in wishes and greetings, especially during holiday seasons and in religious contexts.
Example sentences with paz →pecho
chest
The Spanish word 'pecho' translates to 'chest' in English. It can refer to the front part of a person's body from the neck to the abdomen. It is also used in different contexts, like 'chest pain' translating to 'dolor de pecho'. It can also refer to the upper front part of a bird's body or other animals. The term 'pecho' is used in various idioms and phrases as well which means learning this word can provide you with a deeper understanding of Spanish language and culture.