física
/FEE-see-kah/
physics
Física refers to the science of physics, often demonstrated through fundamental concepts like gravity.
📝 In Action
Mi hermano estudia física nuclear en la universidad.
B1My brother studies nuclear physics at the university.
La física explica cómo funcionan las leyes del universo.
A2Physics explains how the laws of the universe work.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though it is the name of a science, 'física' is always treated as a feminine noun, requiring the article 'la' (la física).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "El física es difícil."
Correction: La física es difícil. (The article must be feminine: 'la').
⭐ Usage Tips
Related Profession
A scientist who studies this field is a 'físico' (male) or a 'física' (female). This is the same word, but the context tells you if you mean the science or the person.
The word física can also refer to a person's physique, describing their body shape or build.
📝 In Action
El atleta tiene una física impresionante para su edad.
B2The athlete has an impressive physique for his age.
Necesita mejorar su física antes de la maratón.
C1She needs to improve her physical condition before the marathon.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When 'física' refers to a body or build, it is often used with adjectives like 'buena' (good), 'excelente' (excellent), or 'débil' (weak) to describe the person's state.
As an adjective, física means 'physical,' referring to things relating to the body or the material world.
📝 In Action
La actividad física es importante para la salud.
A2Physical activity is important for health.
Ella sufrió una lesión física en el partido.
B1She suffered a physical injury in the game.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
This word is the feminine singular form of the adjective 'físico'. You must use 'física' when describing a feminine noun (like 'actividad' or 'lesión').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mismatched Gender
Mistake: "La actividad físico es buena."
Correction: La actividad física es buena. (Since 'actividad' is feminine, the adjective must also end in -a).
⭐ Usage Tips
Opposite Concept
It is often contrasted with 'mental' or 'emocional' to distinguish between the body and the mind.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: física
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'física' as a noun referring to the science?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'físico' and 'física'?
'Física' (with the -a ending) can be the feminine adjective ('physical activity') or the feminine noun ('the science of physics'). 'Físico' (with the -o ending) is the masculine adjective ('physical contact') or the masculine noun ('a physicist').
Does 'física' always mean the science of physics?
No. While that is its most common meaning, it can also refer to a person's body structure or build (their 'physique'). Context will make the meaning clear.