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estilo

es-TEE-lohesˈtilo

“estilo” means “style” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

style, manner

Also: fashion, technique
NounmA2
A child carefully stacks colorful wooden blocks in a precise, straight manner, illustrating a specific style or method of building.

📝 In Action

Me gusta el estilo de ese pintor, es muy moderno.

A2

I like the style of that painter; it is very modern.

Ella tiene un estilo de vida muy saludable.

B1

She has a very healthy lifestyle (style of life).

Necesitas cambiar tu estilo de escritura si quieres publicar el libro.

B2

You need to change your writing style if you want to publish the book.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • estilo libre – freestyle (in sports)
  • tener estilo – to have style/flair
  • estilo propio – one's own style

flair, panache

Also: stroke, technique
NounmB2
A figure in a vibrant, sweeping red dress performing a graceful, elegant dance move, emphasizing distinctive flair.

📝 In Action

El nadador ganó la carrera en el estilo mariposa.

B2

The swimmer won the race using the butterfly stroke (style).

El músico tocaba el piano con gran estilo y pasión.

C1

The musician played the piano with great flair and passion.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • nadar a estilo crol – to swim the crawl stroke
  • estilo de juego – playing style (sports)

Idioms & Expressions

  • A lo grande – In a big way, with great style or pomp.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "estilo" in Spanish:

fashion→flair→manner→panache→stroke→style→technique→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: estilo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'estilo' to refer to a specific technique in a sport?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
estilista(stylist, fashion designer) — Noun
estilizar(to style, to make more elegant/streamlined) — Verb
estilístico(stylistic) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin 'stilus,' which originally meant a pointed tool used for writing on wax tablets. Because it referred to the instrument used for writing, the meaning gradually shifted to the 'manner of writing' and finally expanded to 'style' or 'way of doing anything' in general.

First recorded: Medieval period (as 'estilo' in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: stiloFrench: styleEnglish: style

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'estilo' masculine or feminine?

'Estilo' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' (the) and 'un' (a) with it, such as 'el estilo moderno'.

Does 'estilo' mean the same as 'moda'?

No, they are different. 'Moda' means 'fashion' or a current trend that is popular now. 'Estilo' means a characteristic, enduring way of doing things, like your personal style or an artistic style.