material
/mah-teh-ree-AHL/
material
As a noun, material refers to a substance or matter.
material(noun)
material
?substance or matter
,supplies
?equipment or resources needed for a task
stuff
?informal collective term for belongings
,fabric
?cloth or textile
📝 In Action
Necesito comprar material escolar para el niño.
A1I need to buy school supplies for the child.
Este material es muy resistente al agua.
A2This material is very water resistant.
El carpintero tiene todo el material listo para empezar la obra.
B1The carpenter has all the equipment ready to start the work.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though it ends in -al, 'material' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el material' or 'un material'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Materiales' for Everything
Mistake: "¿Tienes el material para el proyecto?"
Correction: When talking about general 'supplies' or 'stuff,' use the singular 'el material.' Use the plural 'los materiales' only if you mean distinct types of materials (e.g., 'madera y metal son materiales').
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Stuff' Word
Think of 'material' as the general term for the physical 'stuff' or resources you need for a job, whether it's wood, paper, or tools.
As an adjective, material describes something that is physical or tangible.
material(adjective)
material
?physical or tangible
,financial
?relating to money or possessions
earthly
?non-spiritual
📝 In Action
La vida material no es lo más importante.
B1Material life (physical things) is not the most important thing.
Ella tiene muchas necesidades materiales que cubrir.
B1She has many material (physical/financial) needs to cover.
El daño material a la propiedad fue mínimo.
C1The material damage (physical damage) to the property was minimal.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'material' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'daño material,' 'vida material'). You only need to make it plural ('materiales') if the noun is plural.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Material' and 'Important'
Mistake: "Este error es muy material."
Correction: While 'material' can sometimes mean 'significant' in legal or formal contexts, it usually means 'physical' or 'tangible.' For general importance, use words like 'importante' or 'crucial'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Contrast with Abstract
Use 'material' when you want to draw a clear line between the physical world (things you can touch) and the abstract world (ideas, spirits, emotions).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: material
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'material' as an adjective, describing something physical or tangible?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'material' is a noun or an adjective?
If it is preceded by 'el' or 'un' (like 'el material'), it's the noun meaning 'stuff' or 'supplies.' If it follows a noun (like 'daño material'), it's the adjective meaning 'physical' or 'tangible' and describes that noun.