factor
/fahk-TOHR/
factor
A puzzle piece acts as a 'factor' or a contributing element to the whole picture.
factor(noun)
factor
?a contributing element or cause
element
?a part of a situation
,influence
?something that affects a result
📝 In Action
El clima es un factor importante en este viaje.
A2The weather is an important factor on this trip.
Hay varios factores que debemos considerar.
B1There are several factors we must consider.
El factor suerte ayudó mucho al equipo.
B1The luck factor helped the team a lot.
💡 Grammar Points
Easy Cognate
This word is a 'perfect cognate,' meaning it looks and means the same thing in both Spanish and English. Just remember to stress the last syllable (TOHR).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Agreement
Mistake: "la factor"
Correction: el factor. Even though it doesn't end in 'o', it is a masculine noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Natural
Use 'factor clave' when you want to talk about the most important reason for something happening.
In mathematics, factors are the components that combine to create a result.
📝 In Action
Tienes que encontrar el factor común.
B2You have to find the common factor.
El orden de los factores no altera el producto.
C1The order of the factors does not change the product.
💡 Grammar Points
Mathematical Use
In math, this refers specifically to the numbers being multiplied.
A 'factor' can also be an agent or representative who handles goods and business.
factor(noun)
agent
?business or shipping representative
baggage master
?railway worker in charge of luggage
📝 In Action
El factor de la estación revisó el equipaje.
C1The station agent checked the luggage.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: factor
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is a common phrase meaning 'key factor'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'factor' used the same way in Spanish as in English?
Yes, in 95% of cases, it refers to a contributing element or a mathematical factor, just like in English.
How do I pronounce the 'r' at the end?
It should be a soft, single tap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth, similar to the 'tt' in the English word 'better'.