manchas
/MAHN-chas/
stains
The noun 'manchas' means 'stains,' often referring to dirt or discoloration.
manchas(noun)
stains
?dirt or discoloration on fabric or surfaces
,spots
?on skin, clothes, or objects
marks
?general discoloration or smudge
,patches
?areas of different color, especially on animals or maps
📝 In Action
Hay muchas manchas de café en mi camisa nueva.
A1There are many coffee stains on my new shirt.
El dálmata tiene muchas manchas negras.
A2The Dalmatian has many black spots.
Necesito un producto que quite las manchas difíciles.
B1I need a product that removes tough stains.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'mancha' is a feminine word, so when you use it in plural ('manchas'), any words describing it must also be feminine plural (e.g., 'manchas oscuras' - dark spots).
⭐ Usage Tips
Skin Spots
When talking about freckles or age spots on skin, 'manchas' is the standard word to use.
As a verb in the 'tú' form, 'manchas' means 'you stain,' referring to the present action.
manchas(verb)
you stain
?present action (tú form)
,you are staining
?present continuous (tú form)
📝 In Action
Si no cierras la pintura, la derramas y manchas todo.
A2If you don't close the paint, you spill it and stain everything.
¿Por qué manchas el mantel con tu salsa?
B1Why are you staining the tablecloth with your sauce?
💡 Grammar Points
Regular AR Verb
The verb 'manchar' (to stain) is a regular verb. This means its endings follow the standard, predictable pattern for all verbs ending in -AR, making it easy to conjugate once you know the rules!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Pronoun
Mistake: "Using 'tú manchas' when you should use 'usted mancha'."
Correction: Remember that 'manchas' is the familiar form used with friends or family ('tú'). Use 'mancha' (without the 's') for formal situations ('usted').
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Staining
Just like in English, 'manchar' can be used figuratively to mean 'to tarnish' or 'to damage someone's reputation' (e.g., 'manchar su nombre' - to stain his name).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: manchas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'manchas' as a verb?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I distinguish between 'manchas' (noun) and 'manchas' (verb)?
If 'manchas' is used with the subject 'tú' (you), it's the verb form ('you stain'). If it has words like 'las' or 'muchas' in front of it, or if it refers to an object or thing, it is the plural noun ('the stains').
Does 'manchas' only refer to dirt?
No! While it often means a stain (dirt), it also refers to natural spots or patches, like sunspots on the skin, spots on an animal's fur, or even patches of color on a map.