cristal
“cristal” means “glass” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
glass
Also: glassware
📝 In Action
Esta mesa es de cristal templado, muy resistente.
A2This table is made of tempered glass, very resistant.
El cristal se fabrica calentando arena.
B1Glass is manufactured by heating sand.
window pane, glass
Also: windshield
📝 In Action
Debes limpiar el cristal de la ventana, está sucio.
A2You should clean the window pane; it is dirty.
Tiró una piedra y rompió el cristal de la puerta.
B1He threw a rock and broke the glass in the door.
crystal
Also: lens
📝 In Action
El reloj tiene un cristal de zafiro muy resistente a arañazos.
B1The watch has a sapphire crystal very resistant to scratches.
Encontraron un hermoso cristal de cuarzo en la cueva.
B2They found a beautiful quartz crystal in the cave.
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🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cristal
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cristal' to refer to a specific piece of glass, not the material itself?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term 'crystallus,' which itself was borrowed from the ancient Greek word 'krystallos' meaning 'ice' or 'rock crystal.' This connection shows that people originally associated the substance with the clarity and coldness of frozen water.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cristal' the word I should use for eyeglasses/spectacles?
It can be, but it's more common to use the plural form, 'los cristales,' to refer specifically to the lenses. However, the most common general term for eyeglasses is 'gafas' (Spain) or 'lentes' (Latin America).
How do I say 'crystal clear' in Spanish?
You can use the adjective 'cristalino' (crystal clear) or the phrase 'claro como el cristal' (clear as glass/crystal).