cristales
/krees-TAH-lehs/
glass panes
Cristales can refer to the glass panes used in windows.
cristales(noun)
glass panes
?windows or flat glass surfaces
windows
?specifically the glass part of a window
π In Action
Los cristales del coche estΓ‘n muy sucios por la lluvia.
A2The car windows are very dirty because of the rain.
Ten cuidado, hay cristales rotos en el suelo.
A1Be careful, there are broken pieces of glass on the floor.
π‘ Grammar Points
Plural agreement
Since this word is masculine and plural, any describing words (adjectives) must also end in -os, like 'cristales sucios' (dirty glass).
β Common Pitfalls
Glass vs. Drinkware
Mistake: "Using 'cristales' to ask for drinking glasses."
Correction: Use 'vasos' for drinking glasses. 'Cristales' refers to the material or window panes.
β Usage Tips
Windows in houses
While 'ventana' is the whole window (frame and all), 'cristales' is what you say when you specifically mean the glass you look through.
In the context of eyewear, cristales means the lenses.
π In Action
Tengo que cambiar los cristales de mis gafas porque ya no veo bien.
B1I have to change the lenses of my glasses because I can't see well anymore.
β Usage Tips
Lenses vs. Glasses
In Spain, people often use 'cristales' for the lenses and 'gafas' for the whole pair of glasses.
Cristales also refers to geological or chemical crystal structures.
π In Action
La cueva estaba llena de cristales de cuarzo.
B2The cave was full of quartz crystals.
βοΈ Quick Practice
π‘ Quick Quiz: cristales
Question 1 of 2
If you are at the optician and your glasses are scratched, what do you need to replace?
π More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'vidrio' and 'cristal'?
Technically, 'vidrio' is manufactured glass (like a bottle), and 'cristal' is a natural structure or high-quality lead glass. However, in daily conversation, people use 'cristales' for window glass and 'vidrio' for the material itself or recycling.
Can I use 'cristales' to mean 'drinking glasses'?
No. For the objects you drink out of, you should use the word 'vasos'.