Learn About Nouns in Spanish
This page provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using nouns in Spanish. Includes examples and exercises.
cadena
chain
The word 'cadena' is a noun in Spanish language which translates to 'chain' in English. It is typically used to denote a series of things that are connected or following in succession such as links or rings. This term can be used in various contexts e.g., cadena of mountains, cadena in jewellery or a cadena of events.
caer
fall
The Spanish word for 'fall' is 'caer'. It is used in a similar way as in English. For example, you can say 'Las hojas comienzan a caer en otoño' which means 'Leaves start to fall in autumn'. But be careful, it's not used when referring to the season 'fall' or 'autumn', which in Spanish is 'otoño'.
Example sentences with caer →cafetera
coffee maker
The Spanish word 'cafetera' translates to 'coffee maker' in English. This is typically a machine or device used to brew coffee. In many households, a cafetera is considered a necessary kitchen appliance. Like the English term, 'cafetera' in Spanish can refer to various types of machines including automatic drip, percolator, French press or even Italian stovetop style, among others.
cafetería
cafeteria
A 'Cafetería' is a place that serves food and beverages. It is a casual dining establishment, typically in schools, colleges, workplaces, or public places.
Example sentences with cafetería →caja fuerte
safe
The Spanish phrase 'caja fuerte' translates into English as 'safe.' It literally means 'strong box.' This term is used predominantly for safes in businesses or for personal use at home. These are typically sturdy, lockable boxes used to store valuable items such as money, documents, or jewelry. The concept of a 'safe' signifies security and protection, being designed to protect such valuable items from theft, damage, or fire.
calabacín
pumpkin
The Spanish word 'calabacín' does not mean 'pumpkin' in English. It actually translates to 'zucchini' or 'courgette'. This term is used in many Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a type of summer squash that is green and typically long, thin and smooth. It is often used in cooking and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled, steamed, boiled, or fried.
calendario
calendar
In Spanish, 'calendario' is used in much the same way as 'calendar' in English. It's a system of determining the beginning, length, and sequence of years and their subdivisions, such as weeks and months. It's used in everyday language and contexts, from scheduling appointments to planning events.
Example sentences with calendario →calidad
quality
The Spanish word 'calidad' is equivalent to the English word 'quality'. It is used similarly to the English word to refer to the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something. For example, 'La calidad de esta comida es muy alta' means 'The quality of this food is very high'. It can also refer to a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by something or someone.
Example sentences with calidad →calle
street
In Spanish, 'calle' is used to refer to a public road in a city or town. The usage is similar to English, it can be used in various contexts such as giving directions, describing locations etc. It's important to note that, just like in English, 'calle' is feminine in Spanish, so it would be 'la calle'.
Example sentences with calle →cama
bed
A piece of furniture for sleep or rest, typically a framework with a mattress and coverings.
Example sentences with cama →cámara
camera
'Cámara' is the device used to capture visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals. In filmmaking, it's used to record scenes.
Example sentences with cámara →cambio
change
The Spanish word 'cambio' is used in much the same way as its English equivalent 'change', indicating a change or transformation in state, condition, form, or appearance. It is a versatile word that can be used in a various number of contexts such as financial (when speaking about exchange rates or money), personal (when talking about lifestyle changes), as well as for shifts in attitude, climate or even clothes.
Example sentences with cambio →camión
truck
A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo. Trucks come in many different sizes, shapes and colors, but they all have the same basic purpose, to transport items from one location to another.
Example sentences with camión →camisa
shirt
A garment for the upper body made of cotton or a similar fabric, with a collar, sleeves, and buttons down the front.
Example sentences with camisa →campaña
campaign
The Spanish word 'campaña' comes from the Latin 'campania'. It's used mainly in the political, advertising and military fields. In politics, 'campaña' refers to the time period in which candidates present their proposals to the voters. In advertising, it refers to the set of strategies used to promote a product or service. And in the military, 'campaña' refers to the operations in a specific time and area.
Example sentences with campaña →campo
field
The Spanish word 'campo' is used in similar contexts as 'field' in English. It can refer to an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture. In addition, it might signify a particular branch of study or sphere of activity or interest. 'Campo' can also mean 'countryside' in a more general sense than 'field'. For instance, 'Vivo en el campo' translates to 'I live in the countryside'.
Example sentences with campo →canal
channel
The Spanish word 'canal' translates to 'channel' in English. It can be used to refer to a natural or artificial body of water allowing passage of boats or ships. Also, it can imply a television or radio frequency, or a medium of communication. 'Canal' can be used metaphorically as well, referring to the concept of making or finding a way through something or towards something.
canción
song
Canción is the Spanish term equivalent to 'song'. It refers to a short musical composition with words.
Example sentences with canción →candidato
candidate
The Spanish word 'candidato' is used exactly like the English word 'candidate'. It refers to someone who is applying for a job or running in an election. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as politics, job interviews, and more. Its plural form is 'candidatos'.
Example sentences with candidato →cantante
singer
'Cantante' refers to a person who sings, either as a job or as a hobby. It's a gender-neutral term.
Example sentences with cantante →cantar
sing
Cantar means to sing in Spanish. It can be used when a person or a group of people are singing, whether it's a song, hymn or tune.
Example sentences with cantar →cantidad
amount
The Spanish word 'cantidad' is used in a similar context as 'amount' in English. It primarily refers to the total number or quantity of something. It can be used in a variety of sentences to denote quantity, for instance 'La cantidad de agua en la jarra'. This translates to 'The amount of water in the jug'.
Example sentences with cantidad →capital
capital
The Spanish word 'capital' can have several English meanings based on its usage. It could refer to 'capital' as in a city that serves as the seat of government for a country or state, like 'Madrid' is the capital of Spain. It can also mean 'capital' in an economic context, referring to wealth in the form of money or property, used or accumulated in a business by a person, partnership, or corporation. Moreover, 'capital' might also refer to a capital letter in the context of writing or typography. Its exact English equivalent would therefore depend on its contextual usage in a sentence.
Example sentences with capital →capitán
captain
The word 'capitán' in Spanish translates to 'captain' in English. It is commonly used in contexts involving military ranks or describing the person in charge of a group or team. It can also refer to the person commanding a ship or aircraft. Just like in English, 'capitán' can be used both as a form of address and as a description of someone's role.
Example sentences with capitán →capítulo
chapter
The term 'capítulo' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'chapter' in English. In a book, a chapter is a division of a novel or named parts of a piece of writing, each typically dealing with a certain aspect or theme. In the same manner, 'capítulo' in Spanish literature refers to these specific sections. Additionally, it can also symbolize an episode in a television series in some contexts. In general, it is used to denote segments or parts of a larger body of work.
cara
face
The word 'cara' in Spanish translates to 'face' in English. It is widely used in the same context as it is in English, to refer to the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in animals. Moreover, 'cara' can also be used metaphorically in Spanish to express notions such as shamelessness (having 'cara dura'), costliness ('cara' as in expensive), or aspects of playing cards ('cara' as the face side of the card).
Example sentences with cara →cargar
charge
The word 'cargar' in Spanish is often used to indicate the action of carrying something, just like 'charge' in English. For instance, you might use it to describe the act of carrying a bag, among other things. It also works as loading a device with power. But keep in mind, like with many words, the context can influence the exact meaning of 'cargar'.
Example sentences with cargar →carne
meat
The Spanish word 'carne' translates to 'meat' in English. It is a commonly used term in Spanish speaking countries to refer to the flesh of animals, particularly mammals, as food. It is used in various contexts, such as grocery shopping, cooking, and restaurant menus, similar to the term 'meat' in English. Examples of 'carne' include beef ('carne de res'), pork ('carne de cerdo'), and lamb ('carne de cordero').
carne de cerdo
pork meat
The term 'carne de cerdo' in Spanish translates as 'pork meat' in English. This term is commonly used in cooking and culinary contexts, referring to the meat derived from a domestic pig. It is a common ingredient in many international cuisines, including Spanish and Mexican cuisines where it's often used in traditional dishes. 'Carne' means 'meat' and 'cerdo' refers specifically to 'pig', hence together they specify 'pork meat'.
carne de cordero
lamb meat
The Spanish term 'carne de cordero' directly translates to 'meat of lamb' in English, often shortened to just 'lamb'. It refers to the culinary name for meat from a juvenile domestic sheep. The meat is a type of red meat, which is richer in iron and protein compared to chicken or fish. Lamb is often used in dishes across the world, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisines where it is featured in traditional recipes such as roasts, stews, and grills.