Inklingo
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formato

for-MAH-toh/foɾˈmato/

format, size

Also: layout
NounmA2
A row of books of various sizes and shapes standing on a wooden shelf.

📝 In Action

Prefiero los libros en formato de bolsillo porque son fáciles de llevar.

A2

I prefer books in pocket-size format because they are easy to carry.

El documento tiene un formato A4.

A1

The document has an A4 size format.

Cambiamos el formato del folleto para hacerlo más moderno.

B1

We changed the layout of the brochure to make it more modern.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tamaño (size)
  • diseño (design)

Common Collocations

  • formato de bolsillo – pocket edition/size
  • gran formato – large format

file format

Also: digital format
NounmB1
A glowing blue folder on a desk with different colored icons representing different digital files.

📝 In Action

Por favor, envía el archivo en formato PDF.

A2

Please send the file in PDF format.

Este programa no reconoce el formato de imagen.

B1

This program doesn't recognize the image format.

Necesito convertir este video a un formato compatible.

B2

I need to convert this video to a compatible format.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • extensión (extension (like .doc))

Common Collocations

  • formato digital – digital format
  • formato de audio – audio format
  • cambiar el formato – to change the format

format

Also: structure
NounmB2
A colorful stage set with a talk show desk and two comfortable chairs under bright lights.

📝 In Action

El formato del programa de televisión ha cambiado mucho este año.

B1

The TV show's format has changed a lot this year.

El debate tendrá un formato de preguntas y respuestas.

B2

The debate will have a Q&A format.

Buscamos un formato más dinámico para la reunión.

C1

We are looking for a more dynamic format for the meeting.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • formato televisivo – television format
  • formato de competencia – competition format

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: formato

Question 1 of 3

Which of the following describes a 'formato de bolsillo'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
formar(to form/shape) — Verb
formación(training/formation) — Noun
formatear(to format (a disk/drive)) — Verb
informativo(informative) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'formatus', which means 'shaped' or 'formed'. It originally referred to how things were organized physically.

First recorded: 18th century (in its modern printing sense)

Cognates (Related words)

English: formatFrench: formatItalian: formato

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'formato' always masculine?

Yes, even when referring to things that might seem feminine, 'formato' is a masculine noun and always uses 'el' or 'un'.

What is the difference between 'formato' and 'formatear'?

'Formato' is the noun (the layout or file type), while 'formatear' is the verb used specifically for clearing and preparing a hard drive or disk on a computer.

Can I use 'formato' for paper sizes like A4 or Letter?

Absolutely! That is one of its most common uses in Spanish-speaking offices.