elementos
/eh-leh-MEN-tohs/
elements
Elementos: basic components or parts.
elementos(noun)
elements
?basic components or parts
,components
?parts of a machine or system
ingredients
?cooking or chemistry
,factors
?influencing pieces
📝 In Action
Necesitas tres elementos básicos para hacer esta receta.
A1You need three basic elements to make this recipe.
El profesor explicó los elementos clave de la teoría.
A2The professor explained the key elements of the theory.
Los elementos de la batería están desgastados.
B1The components of the battery are worn out.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Since 'elementos' ends in '-os', it is always used to talk about more than one thing. The singular form is 'elemento'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "La elementos son importantes."
Correction: Los elementos son importantes. Remember 'elementos' is masculine, so use 'los' or 'unos'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
This word is perfect for formal writing (essays, reports) but is also common in everyday speech when listing ingredients or parts.
Elementos: the natural forces and weather.
elementos(noun)
the elements
?natural forces/weather
forces of nature
?poetic or descriptive language
📝 In Action
El refugio nos protegió de los elementos durante la tormenta.
B1The shelter protected us from the elements during the storm.
La estatua ha resistido los elementos por más de cien años.
B2The statue has resisted the elements for over a hundred years.
💡 Grammar Points
Definite Article Required
When talking about nature's forces, you almost always need the definite article 'los' (los elementos).
⭐ Usage Tips
Literary Use
This meaning is often found in literature, news reports about disasters, or when describing survival situations.
Elementos: staff or security members (personnel).
elementos(noun)
personnel
?staff or security members
,individuals
?referring to people in a group
operatives
?police or military context
📝 In Action
Los elementos de seguridad acordonaron la zona del accidente.
B2The security personnel cordoned off the accident area.
La policía busca a varios elementos sospechosos que huyeron del lugar.
C1The police are looking for several suspicious individuals who fled the scene.
💡 Grammar Points
Referring to People
When 'elementos' refers to people, it often carries a formal or slightly distant tone, common in official reports or news.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'elementos' in the context of police or crime, it means 'people' or 'members of a group,' not 'parts'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: elementos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'elementos' to refer to natural forces?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'elementos' always mean 'basic parts'?
Not always. While its most common meaning is 'basic parts' or 'components,' it can also refer to 'forces of nature' (like the weather) or, in formal news, 'members of a group' (like security personnel).