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círculo

SÍR-koo-loh/ˈsiɾkulo/

circle

Also: ring, loop
NounmA1
A bold, thick red line forming a perfect geometric circle on a white background.

📝 In Action

Dibuja un círculo grande en la pizarra.

A1

Draw a large circle on the board.

Nos sentamos en círculo para hacer la actividad.

A2

We sat in a circle to do the activity.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • redondel (circle/ring)
  • anillo (ring)

Common Collocations

  • trazar un círculo – to draw/trace a circle
  • círculo perfecto – perfect circle

circle

Also: clique, sphere
NounmB1
Five simplified, diverse characters standing close together in a circle, holding hands, representing a social group.

📝 In Action

Ella solo confía en su círculo íntimo de amigos.

B1

She only trusts her inner circle of friends.

Es difícil entrar en ese círculo profesional si no conoces a nadie.

B2

It’s difficult to enter that professional circle if you don’t know anyone.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • círculo social – social circle
  • círculo de influencia – sphere of influence

cycle

Also: circuit
NounmB2
An illustration showing the life cycle of a plant in a closed loop: a seed leads to a sprout, which leads to an apple, which returns to the seed.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos romper este círculo vicioso de deuda y gasto.

B2

We need to break this vicious cycle of debt and spending.

Finalmente, pudo cerrar un círculo de su pasado.

C1

Finally, he was able to close a chapter (literally: a circle) from his past.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • círculo vicioso – vicious circle/cycle
  • cerrar el círculo – to close the loop/come full circle

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: círculo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'círculo' in its figurative meaning of a repeating, negative situation?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
circular(circular (adjective) or to circulate (verb)) — Adjective / Verb
circunferencia(circumference) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
artículovehículo
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *circulus*, which was a small version (diminutive) of *circus*, meaning 'ring' or 'circular place.' The concept of a circle has been central to geometry and society for millennia.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

English: circleItalian: circoloPortuguese: círculo

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Por qué 'círculo' lleva acento?

The word 'círculo' has three syllables, and the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable (CÍR-cu-lo). Spanish requires a written accent mark on all words where the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable, making it easier for you to know exactly how to pronounce it.

Is 'círculo' masculine or feminine?

'Círculo' is always masculine. You must use 'el' or 'un' before it, even if you are talking about a group of women (e.g., 'el círculo de amigas').