Inklingo
← Dictionary
A large, simple heap of bright white mineral lime powder, often used in construction or chemistry.

cal

kal

nounfB1
lime?mineral substance used in building or chemistry
Also:calcium oxide?chemical term,whitewash?paint made from lime

📝 In Action

Necesitamos comprar cal para pintar las paredes de la casa.

A2

We need to buy lime to whitewash the walls of the house.

La cal se utiliza en la agricultura para mejorar la calidad del suelo.

B1

Lime is used in agriculture to improve soil quality.

La cal viva es peligrosa y debe manipularse con cuidado.

B2

Quicklime is dangerous and must be handled carefully.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • enlucido (plaster/stucco)
  • lechada (grout/slurry)

Common Collocations

  • cal viva – quicklime (highly reactive)
  • cal apagada – slaked lime (less reactive)
  • apagar la cal – to slake the lime (mix with water)

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Even though 'cal' ends in an 'L', it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la cal' or 'una cal'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Mineral and Fruit

Mistake: "Thinking 'cal' means the small green citrus fruit."

Correction: The fruit is 'lima' or 'limón'. 'Cal' is strictly the white mineral powder used in building.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

If you are talking about construction or chemistry, use 'cal'. If you are ordering a margarita, you need 'lima' (lime fruit).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cal

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'cal'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

caliza(limestone) - noun
calcáreo(calcareous/chalky) - adjective
calero(lime kiln worker) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cal' the same as the fruit 'lime'?

No, absolutely not! In Spanish, 'cal' is only the white mineral powder (calcium oxide) used in building or chemistry. The green citrus fruit is called 'lima' (or sometimes 'limón' in parts of Latin America).

Why is 'cal' feminine if it doesn't end in -a?

'Cal' is one of the exceptions to the general rule. Many words ending in -l are masculine, but this one, like 'sal' (salt) and 'piel' (skin), is feminine. Always remember to say 'la cal'.