Inklingo
Dictionary

columna

koh-LOOM-nahkoˈlumna

“columna” means “column” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:

columnA2Noun

architectural support

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spineB1Noun

anatomical

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columnB1Noun

newspaper/magazine feature

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columnB1Noun

vertical list or data set

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column, pillar

NounfA2
A tall, sturdy, white classical architectural column with a decorative capital and base, providing support.

📝 In Action

Las columnas del templo griego eran de mármol blanco.

A2

The columns of the Greek temple were made of white marble.

Necesitamos construir una columna de apoyo en el sótano.

B1

We need to build a support column in the basement.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • columna dórica – Doric column

spine, spinal columnAlso: backbone

NounfB1
A simplified, stylized depiction of a human spinal column showing individual vertebrae stacked vertically.

📝 In Action

Tengo un dolor en la columna que no me deja dormir.

B1

I have a pain in my spine that won't let me sleep.

La columna vertebral protege la médula espinal.

B2

The spinal column protects the spinal cord.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • espina dorsal (backbone)

Common Collocations

  • columna vertebral – spinal column
  • dolor de columna – back pain

columnAlso: regular feature

NounfB1
A cheerful cartoon writer sitting at a small desk, holding a pen and actively writing on a sheet of paper, symbolizing a published feature.

📝 In Action

Ella escribe una columna semanal sobre política internacional.

B1

She writes a weekly column on international politics.

Su columna de opinión generó mucha controversia.

B2

His opinion column generated a lot of controversy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • artículo (article)
  • sección (section)

Common Collocations

  • columna de opinión – opinion column
  • escribir una columna – to write a column

columnAlso: file

NounfB1 neutral/technical
Three distinct vertical stacks of simple, colorful geometric blocks, illustrating data organized in columns.

📝 In Action

Suma los números de la tercera columna del informe.

B1

Add up the numbers in the third column of the report.

Los soldados marchaban en una columna perfecta.

B2

The soldiers were marching in a perfect column (file).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • línea vertical (vertical line)

Antonyms

  • fila (row (horizontal))

Common Collocations

  • primera columna – first column
  • ordenar por columna – to sort by column

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "columna" in Spanish:

backbonecolumnfilepillarregular featurespinal columnspine

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: columna

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'columna' is used when talking about architecture?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
columnista(columnist) — Noun
columnar(columnar (adjective)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
brumapluma
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin word *columna*, meaning 'pillar' or 'post.' It shares roots with words related to height and support.

First recorded: Medieval Latin period

Cognates (Related words)

English: columnFrench: colonne

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'columna' ever masculine?

No, 'columna' is always a feminine noun. You would use 'la columna' or 'una columna'.

How do I distinguish between 'columna' (vertical) and 'fila' (horizontal) in a spreadsheet?

Think of a column (columna) holding up a ceiling—it goes up and down. A row (fila) is a horizontal line, like people waiting in a line.