Inklingo
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arco

/AR-koh/

arch

A simple, sturdy stone architectural archway built from large, light-colored blocks, standing on green ground.

Arco meaning an architectural arch.

arco(noun)

mA1

arch

?

Architectural structure

,

arc

?

Geometric shape or curve

Also:

hoop

?

For children's games

,

rainbow

?

When used in the phrase 'arco iris'

📝 In Action

El puente antiguo tiene un arco de piedra muy impresionante.

A1

The old bridge has a very impressive stone arch.

El arco iris apareció después de la lluvia.

A2

The rainbow appeared after the rain.

Dibuja un arco con el compás.

B1

Draw an arc with the compass.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • curva (curve)
  • bóveda (vault)

Common Collocations

  • arco triunfal – triumphal arch
  • arco de herradura – horseshoe arch

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'arco' is masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it, as in 'el arco' or 'un arco'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Rainbow Tip

To specifically mean 'rainbow,' you must use the full phrase 'arco iris' (literally 'iris arch'). Just 'arco' by itself usually means a structural arch or curve.

A standard white-framed soccer goal with a net, situated on a bright green soccer field.

Arco referring to a soccer goal in sports.

arco(noun)

mA2

goal

?

Net or frame in soccer/football

,

net

?

Sports goal

📝 In Action

El delantero falló el tiro y la pelota se fue por encima del arco.

A2

The striker missed the shot and the ball went over the goal.

El portero protegió el arco con una atajada espectacular.

B1

The goalkeeper protected the net with a spectacular save.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • portería (goal/goalpost)
  • meta (goal (objective))

Common Collocations

  • meter un gol en el arco – to score a goal in the net

⭐ Usage Tips

Soccer Terminology

In football (soccer), 'arco' refers specifically to the goal frame or net, while 'gol' refers to the score itself. The person guarding it is the 'portero' (goalkeeper).

A traditional wooden longbow with a taut string, holding one feathered arrow ready for release.

Arco meaning a bow used for archery.

arco(noun)

mB1

bow

?

Weapon for archery

,

bow

?

For string instruments like violins

📝 In Action

El arquero tensó la cuerda del arco y disparó la flecha.

B1

The archer tightened the bowstring and shot the arrow.

Necesito cambiar las cerdas del arco de mi violín.

C1

I need to change the hairs on my violin bow.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • arco y flecha – bow and arrow

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: arco

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'arco' is most likely being used in the phrase 'El delantero disparó al arco'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

arquero(archer or goalkeeper) - noun
arcada(arcade (series of arches)) - noun
arquear(to arch or curve) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'arco' the same as 'portería'?

They are often used interchangeably in sports. 'Arco' usually emphasizes the frame or curved shape of the goal, while 'portería' emphasizes the entire goal area, including the net and the goalposts. In South America, 'arco' is generally preferred.

How do I say 'rainbow' using 'arco'?

You must use the complete phrase 'arco iris.' The word 'iris' refers to the colored part of the eye, so the phrase means 'iris-like arch' or 'arch of colors.'