columna
/koh-LOOM-nah/
column
Columna as an architectural support structure.
📝 In Action
Las columnas del templo griego eran de mármol blanco.
A2The columns of the Greek temple were made of white marble.
Necesitamos construir una columna de apoyo en el sótano.
B1We need to build a support column in the basement.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'columna' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, which is the most common pattern for Spanish nouns ending in '-a'.
Columna referring to the anatomical spine.
📝 In Action
Tengo un dolor en la columna que no me deja dormir.
B1I have a pain in my spine that won't let me sleep.
La columna vertebral protege la médula espinal.
B2The spinal column protects the spinal cord.
💡 Grammar Points
Vertebral vs. Solo Columna
When talking about the backbone, Spanish often uses the full phrase 'columna vertebral' (vertebral column), but in casual conversation, just 'columna' is understood.
Columna meaning a recurring article or feature in a publication.
📝 In Action
Ella escribe una columna semanal sobre política internacional.
B1She writes a weekly column on international politics.
Su columna de opinión generó mucha controversia.
B2His opinion column generated a lot of controversy.
⭐ Usage Tips
Who Writes It?
The person who writes a column is called a 'columnista' (columnist), which is the same word for both masculine and feminine writers.
Columna used to describe a vertical list or data set.
📝 In Action
Suma los números de la tercera columna del informe.
B1Add up the numbers in the third column of the report.
Los soldados marchaban en una columna perfecta.
B2The soldiers were marching in a perfect column (file).
💡 Grammar Points
Column vs. Row
In data and spreadsheets, 'columna' is the vertical arrangement, while 'fila' is the horizontal arrangement (the row). Always remember: columns go up and down!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: columna
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'columna' is used when talking about architecture?
📚 More Resources
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.