marco
/MAHR-koh/
frame
Marco means 'frame', like the border around a picture or window.
marco(noun)
frame
?border around a picture, mirror, door, or window
casing
?door or window structure
,mount
?for glasses
📝 In Action
Necesito un marco de madera para esta pintura.
A1I need a wooden frame for this painting.
El marco de la ventana está roto.
A2The window frame is broken.
Ponte el marco de las gafas antes de leer.
B1Put on the frames of your glasses before reading.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Remember that 'marco' is masculine, so you always use 'el marco' or 'un marco'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Visualizing 'Marco'
Think of the four sides that hold something in place, like the border of a photograph.
Marco can also refer to a 'framework' or structure, often conceptual or legal.
marco(noun)
framework
?conceptual or legal structure
,context
?setting or boundary of a situation
scope
?the range of what is included
📝 In Action
La reunión se llevó a cabo en el marco de la colaboración internacional.
B1The meeting took place within the framework of international collaboration.
Necesitamos un nuevo marco legal para regular estas actividades.
B2We need a new legal framework to regulate these activities.
💡 Grammar Points
Common Phrase
You will often see this used with the phrase 'en el marco de...' (in the context of/within the framework of...).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
Think of this meaning as the 'frame' that holds an idea or a set of rules, keeping everything organized and bounded.
Marco is the 'I mark' form of the verb marcar, meaning to make an indication.
marco(verb)
I mark
?to make a sign or indication
,I dial
?to call a phone number
I score
?in sports
,I set
?to set a rhythm or pace
📝 In Action
Yo marco el teléfono antes de que suene la alarma.
A2I dial the phone before the alarm rings.
Cuando juego, siempre marco muchos puntos.
A2When I play, I always score a lot of points.
Yo marco los errores en tu ensayo con un bolígrafo rojo.
B1I mark the mistakes in your essay with a red pen.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'I' Form
This form ('marco') is only used when the subject is 'yo' (I) in the present tense (what is happening now or generally).
Spelling Change in Past Tense
In the preterite ('simple past') tense for 'yo', the C changes to QU ('marqué') so that the sound remains hard, like the K in 'cat'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Using 'el marco' (the frame) when you mean 'yo marco' (I mark)."
Correction: Ensure you use the verb form correctly in sentences where an action is involved: 'Yo marco el precio' (I mark the price).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: marco
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'marco' as the physical border around an object?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'marco' related to the German currency 'Mark'?
Yes, historically, 'marco' was also used to refer to a weight unit for precious metals, similar to how the German 'Mark' was established. Both words share the same Germanic root referring to a measure or boundary.
How can I tell if 'marco' is a noun or a verb in a sentence?
If it is preceded by 'el' or 'un' (the/a), it is the noun (the frame/framework). If it is used without a preceding article and the subject is 'yo' (I), it is the verb (I mark/I dial).