barras
/BAH-rras/
bars
One meaning of "barras" is physical bars or railings, often made of metal.
barras(noun)
bars
?metal rods, railings
,counter
?pub or café counter
railings
?fence or barrier
,ingots
?gold or silver bars
📝 In Action
Las barras de la jaula eran de acero.
A1The bars of the cage were made of steel.
Siempre desayunamos en la barra de la cafetería.
A1We always have breakfast at the café counter.
Necesitas dos barras de chocolate para esta receta.
A2You need two bars of chocolate for this recipe.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'barras' is the plural of 'barra,' which is feminine (la barra). You must use feminine adjectives with it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Bar vs. Barra
In many Spanish-speaking places, 'la barra' is just the counter where you order, while 'el bar' is the whole establishment.
In music, "barras" refers to the musical measures or bars that divide the score.
barras(noun)
measures
?in music, musical bars
,parallel bars
?gymnastics equipment
toolbar
?computing (barra de herramientas)
,money
?slang, common in Mexico/Spain
📝 In Action
El ejercicio de gimnasia requiere mucha fuerza en las barras.
B1The gymnastics routine requires a lot of strength on the bars.
Esta canción tiene 32 barras en el coro.
B2This song has 32 measures in the chorus.
Actualiza la página y verás la barra de progreso.
B1Refresh the page and you will see the progress bar.
⭐ Usage Tips
Slang Alert
Using 'barras' to mean 'money' is informal and regionally specific (e.g., Mexico, Spain). Stick to 'dinero' in formal situations.
"Barras" is a conjugation of the verb 'barrar,' meaning 'you smear.'
barras(verb)
you smear
?second person singular present tense of 'barrar'
,you block
?you bar/prevent entry (from 'barrar')
you mud
?to cover with mud
📝 In Action
Si pones eso ahí, tú barras el paso a la gente.
B2If you put that there, you block the path for people.
¿Por qué barras la puerta con esa pintura?
C1Why are you smearing the door with that paint?
💡 Grammar Points
Verb Conjugation
This 'barras' is the present tense form used when talking directly to a friend or someone you know well (tú).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Barrar' and 'Barrer'
Mistake: "Using 'barrar' when you mean 'to sweep' ('barrer')."
Correction: Remember: 'Barrar' is usually about blocking or smearing. 'Barrer' is for sweeping the floor.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
subjunctive
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: barras
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'barras' is used when talking about fitness equipment?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'barras' related to 'barrer' (to sweep)?
They look similar, but they come from different roots. 'Barras' (noun, plural of 'barra') means 'rods' or 'counter.' The verb 'barras' means 'you block/smear.' 'Barrer' means 'to sweep,' and its tú form is 'barres' (with an 'e').
How do I say 'chocolate bar'?
You would typically say 'una barra de chocolate.' If you mean a small candy bar, you might use 'chocolatina' or 'tableta' depending on the region.