iris
/ee-rees/
iris
The iris is the colorful part of the eye that surrounds the pupil.
📝 In Action
El color del iris de mi hijo es verde claro.
A2The color of my son's iris is light green.
El iris es lo que da color a nuestros ojos.
B1The iris is what gives color to our eyes.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though 'iris' ends in -s, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el iris'.
Plural Form
The plural form of 'iris' is the same as the singular: 'los iris'. This word always stays the same, even when talking about two eyes.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Plural
Mistake: "Los irises"
Correction: Los iris. You do not add '-es' to form the plural; the word is already pluralized by the article 'los'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Color
When describing the eye, 'iris' is more precise than just 'ojo'. You often hear 'Tiene los ojos de iris claro' (He has light-irised eyes).
The word iris also refers to this beautiful type of flower.
📝 In Action
Plantamos unos hermosos iris en el jardín la primavera pasada.
B1We planted some beautiful irises in the garden last spring.
El iris es una flor que viene en muchos colores.
B1The iris is a flower that comes in many colors.
💡 Grammar Points
Connection to Color
Remember the iris flower is named because its petals display many colors, just like a rainbow. This helps link the flower meaning to the eye meaning.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: iris
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the Spanish word 'iris' in its most common meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'iris' masculine or feminine?
It is masculine. You must use 'el iris' or 'un iris'.
Does 'iris' ever mean 'rainbow'?
While the word 'iris' is the root of the concept, Spanish almost always uses the full phrase 'arco iris' (literally 'iris arch') to mean rainbow. Using 'iris' alone for rainbow is very rare or poetic.