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átomo

AH-toh-moh/ˈatomo/

“átomo” means “atom” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

atom

Also: particle
NounmB1
A colorful illustration of an atom with a central nucleus and orbiting electrons.

📝 In Action

El hidrógeno es el átomo más simple del universo.

B1

Hydrogen is the simplest atom in the universe.

Aprendimos sobre la estructura del átomo en la clase de química.

B1

We learned about the structure of the atom in chemistry class.

Los científicos pueden dividir el átomo para generar energía.

B2

Scientists can split the atom to generate energy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • partícula (particle)

Common Collocations

  • núcleo del átomo – nucleus of the atom
  • átomo de carbono – carbon atom
  • dividir el átomo – to split the atom

shred

Also: speck, iota
NounmC1formal
A single tiny blue scrap of paper on a clean white surface.

📝 In Action

Ese hombre no tiene ni un átomo de decencia.

C1

That man doesn't have a shred of decency.

No queda ni un átomo de esperanza en sus ojos.

C2

Not a speck of hope remains in her eyes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ápice (iota/shred)
  • pizca (pinch/bit)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ni un átomo de – not a single shred of

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "átomo" in Spanish:

atom→iota→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: átomo

Question 1 of 3

What is the correct way to say 'The atom' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
atómico(atomic) — Adjective
atomizar(to atomize/break into small pieces) — Verb
subatómico(subatomic) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'atomos,' which literally means 'uncuttable' or 'indivisible.' Ancient Greeks believed this was the smallest piece of matter that couldn't be broken down further.

First recorded: 13th century (in philosophical texts)

Cognates (Related words)

English: atomFrench: atomeItalian: atomo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'átomo' have an accent mark?

Because the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable. In Spanish grammar, all words with this stress pattern (called 'esdrújulas') must have a written accent.

Can I use 'átomo' to describe a small crumb of food?

Not really. For physical objects like food, use 'migaja' (crumb) or 'trocito' (little piece). 'Átomo' is used for science or abstract concepts like 'honor' or 'energy'.

Is 'átomo' a common word in daily conversation?

In scientific or school settings, yes. In daily life, you'll mostly hear it in fixed phrases like 'ni un átomo de...' to mean 'not a single bit of...'