lino
“lino” means “linen” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
linen
Also: linen-colored
📝 In Action
Tengo una camisa de lino blanca para el verano.
A1I have a white linen shirt for the summer.
Las sábanas de lino son más frescas que las de algodón.
A2Linen sheets are cooler than cotton ones.
El lino se arruga con mucha facilidad, pero es muy elegante.
B1Linen wrinkles very easily, but it is very elegant.
flax
Also: linseed
📝 In Action
El lino es una planta con flores azules muy bonitas.
B1Flax is a plant with very beautiful blue flowers.
El aceite de lino se usa en la pintura al óleo.
B2Linseed oil is used in oil painting.
Antiguamente, el cultivo del lino era fundamental para la economía.
C1In the past, flax cultivation was fundamental to the economy.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lino
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'a linen shirt' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'linum', which was used to describe both the plant and the thread made from it.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'lino' and 'linaza'?
Generally, 'lino' refers to the plant or the fabric (linen), while 'linaza' specifically refers to the seeds (flaxseed) used for consumption.
Does 'lino' change to 'lina' for feminine clothes?
No. Material names used after 'de' stay in their base form. You say 'pantalones de lino' (masculine) and 'falda de lino' (feminine).
Is 'lino' a common fabric in Spain and Latin America?
Yes! Because many Spanish-speaking countries have hot climates, lino is a very popular and prestigious choice for summer fashion and formal events like beach weddings.