contorno
“contorno” means “outline” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
outline
Also: contour, silhouette
📝 In Action
Dibuja el contorno de tu mano en el papel.
A1Draw the outline of your hand on the paper.
Las luces de la ciudad definían el contorno de las montañas.
B1The city lights defined the contour of the mountains.
El artista resaltó el contorno con un lápiz más oscuro.
B2The artist highlighted the outline with a darker pencil.
surroundings
Also: outskirts, environs
📝 In Action
Vive en los contornos de Madrid.
B1He lives in the outskirts of Madrid.
Exploramos los bellos contornos del lago.
B2We explored the beautiful surroundings of the lake.
La policía buscó por todos los contornos de la escena.
C1The police searched all the surrounding areas of the scene.
eye area
Also: eye cream
📝 In Action
Tengo la piel sensible en el contorno de ojos.
B1I have sensitive skin in the eye area.
¿Me recomiendas un buen contorno de ojos?
B2Can you recommend a good eye cream?
Aplícate el contorno con toques suaves.
C1Apply the eye cream with gentle taps.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "contorno" in Spanish:
contour→environs→eye area→eye cream→outline→outskirts→silhouette→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: contorno
Question 1 of 3
If you are buying 'un contorno de ojos' at a pharmacy, what are you buying?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'con-' (together/with) and 'torno' (lathe or turn), coming from the Latin 'tornus' (a tool for making a circle).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'contorno' the same as 'alrededores'?
They are very similar! 'Alrededores' is the most common word for 'surroundings.' 'Contorno' is slightly more formal and can also mean the physical 'outline' of a shape, which 'alrededores' cannot.
Does 'contorno' mean 'side dish' in Spanish?
Usually, no. In Italian, 'contorno' means side dish, but in Spanish, we use the word 'guarnición.' However, you might hear it in Spanish-speaking areas with high Italian influence (like parts of Argentina) or at Italian restaurants.
How do I say 'contouring' (the makeup technique) in Spanish?
Most people actually use the English word 'contouring,' but technically it is 'el contorneado' or 'la técnica del contorno'.