forma
“forma” means “shape” in Spanish. It has 5 different meanings depending on context:
shape, form
Also: figure
📝 In Action
La mesa tiene forma redonda.
A1The table has a round shape.
Me gusta la forma de esa botella.
A2I like the shape of that bottle.
El escultor dio forma a la arcilla.
B1The sculptor gave form to the clay.
way, manner
Also: method
📝 In Action
Hay muchas formas de aprender español.
A2There are many ways to learn Spanish.
No me gusta la forma en que me habló.
B1I don't like the way he spoke to me.
De esta forma, terminaremos más rápido.
B1In this way, we will finish faster.
form
Also: application
📝 In Action
Por favor, rellene esta forma con sus datos personales.
B1Please, fill out this form with your personal data.
Necesito una forma de solicitud de empleo.
B1I need a job application form.
shape
Also: form
📝 In Action
Voy al gimnasio para estar en forma.
B1I go to the gym to be in shape.
Después de las vacaciones, estoy fuera de forma.
B1After the holidays, I'm out of shape.
El atleta está en plena forma para la competición.
B2The athlete is in top form for the competition.
he/she/it forms, you form
Also: form!
📝 In Action
El agua forma charcos en la calle cuando llueve.
A2The water forms puddles in the street when it rains.
Usted forma parte de un equipo excelente.
B1You are part of an excellent team.
¡Forma una fila, por favor!
A2Form a line, please!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: forma
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'forma' to mean 'way' or 'manner'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'fōrma', which had a wide range of meanings including 'shape', 'figure', 'model', 'manner', and even 'beauty'. Spanish has kept many of these original ideas.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'forma', 'manera', and 'modo'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable when you mean 'way' or 'manner'. 'Forma' and 'manera' are the most common. 'Modo' can sometimes feel a bit more technical or specific, like 'modo de empleo' (instructions for use). For everyday conversation, you can use 'forma' or 'manera' without any problem.
How do I know if 'forma' is the noun or the verb?
Look at the other words in the sentence. If you see 'la forma' or 'una forma', it's the noun. If it comes right after a person or thing that is doing an action (like 'él forma', 'el equipo forma'), it's the verb. If it's used as a command ('¡Forma una fila!'), it's also the verb.
Is it 'la forma' or 'el forma'?
'Forma' is always a feminine noun, so you always use 'la forma' for 'the form' and 'una forma' for 'a form'.