Inklingo
← Dictionary

curva

KOOR-vahˈkuɾ.βa

“curva” means “curve” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

curve, bend

Also: turn
NounfA1
A winding, smooth S-shaped path made of dirt crossing a grassy field.

📝 In Action

Tuvimos que reducir la velocidad por la curva peligrosa.

A2

We had to slow down because of the dangerous curve.

Dibuja una curva suave que conecte los dos puntos.

B1

Draw a smooth curve connecting the two points.

El río tiene muchas curvas antes de llegar al mar.

A1

The river has many bends before reaching the sea.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tomar la curva – to take the curve/bend
  • curva cerrada – sharp curve

curve, figure / shape

Also: curveball
NounfB1
A thick, bright blue line sweeping steeply upwards from the bottom left corner to the top right corner, symbolizing growth or a data trend.

📝 In Action

La curva de aprendizaje del nuevo software es muy empinada.

B2

The learning curve for the new software is very steep.

El economista analizó la curva de oferta y demanda.

C1

The economist analyzed the supply and demand curve.

Ella tiene una figura con muchas curvas.

B1

She has a curvy figure.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • gráfico (graph)
  • silueta (silhouette, shape)

Common Collocations

  • curva de crecimiento – growth curve
  • curva de rendimiento – yield curve

Idioms & Expressions

  • lanzar una curva – to throw a curveball (present a difficulty or surprise)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "curva" in Spanish:

bend→curve→curveball→turn→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: curva

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'curva' in its figurative sense (not a physical bend)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
curvo(curved (adjective)) — Adjective
curvar(to curve, to bend (verb)) — Verb
curvatura(curvature) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
uvatuba
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *curvus*, meaning 'bent' or 'crooked.' This Latin root gave rise to similar words in many languages, all related to things that are not straight.

First recorded: Medieval Latin

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: curvaFrench: courbeEnglish: curve

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'curva' always feminine?

Yes, 'curva' is a feminine noun. You will always use 'la' or 'una' before it, and any adjectives describing it must also be feminine (e.g., 'la curva peligrosa').

How do I say 'to curve' in Spanish?

The verb form is 'curvar,' which means 'to bend' or 'to curve.' For example, 'El camino se curva hacia el río' (The road curves toward the river).