elemento
/eh-leh-MEN-toh/
element
El elemento como un componente necesario de una estructura mayor.
elemento(noun)
element
?component, necessary part
,factor
?contributing cause
ingredient
?part of a mixture
📝 In Action
La confianza es un elemento fundamental en cualquier relación.
A2Trust is a fundamental element in any relationship.
Necesitamos tres elementos para completar este circuito electrónico.
B1We need three components to complete this electronic circuit.
El tiempo es un elemento clave para el éxito de la receta.
B2Timing is a key factor for the success of the recipe.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though many Spanish nouns ending in '-a' are feminine, and nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, 'elemento' is always masculine (el elemento).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Elemento' Abstractly
You can use 'elemento' to refer to abstract ideas, like 'risk' or 'surprise,' when they are part of a larger situation. (e.g., 'el elemento sorpresa' - the element of surprise).
El elemento refiriéndose a una sustancia o estado, como el fuego.
📝 In Action
El oxígeno es el elemento más abundante en la corteza terrestre.
B1Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust.
Según la mitología, el agua es el elemento de la emoción.
B1According to mythology, water is the element of emotion.
Usando elemento para referirse a un individuo o miembro de un grupo.
elemento(noun)
individual
?person, member of a group
character
?suspicious person (informal/negative)
📝 In Action
La seguridad detuvo a un elemento sospechoso cerca de la entrada principal.
C1Security detained a suspicious individual near the main entrance.
Necesitamos identificar a los elementos más influyentes del equipo.
C2We need to identify the most influential members of the team.
💡 Grammar Points
Referring to People
Using 'elemento' to refer to a person is usually quite formal or impersonal, often used by police or authorities. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, like 'a bad element' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: elemento
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'elemento' in its most common meaning (component or factor)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'elemento' masculine or feminine?
'Elemento' is always masculine: 'el elemento.' You use it with masculine articles and adjectives, even if you are referring to a female individual.
Can I use 'elemento' when talking about weather?
Yes! When talking about weather, you often hear 'los elementos' (in plural), which means 'the elements' or 'the forces of nature,' especially when referring to harsh weather (wind, rain, etc.).