Inklingo

metáfora

meh-TAH-fo-rahmeˈtafoɾa

metáfora means metaphor in Spanish (a figure of speech).

metaphor

Also: symbol
NounfB1
A fluffy white cloud in the sky shaped exactly like a soft sheep jumping over a green hill.

📝 In Action

Decir que sus cabellos son de oro es una metáfora.

B1

Saying her hair is made of gold is a metaphor.

El autor utiliza el invierno como una metáfora de la vejez.

B2

The author uses winter as a metaphor for old age.

No lo digas de forma literal, usa una metáfora.

B1

Don't say it literally, use a metaphor.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alegoría (allegory)
  • símbolo (symbol)

Antonyms

  • literalidad (literality)

Common Collocations

  • metáfora visualvisual metaphor
  • usar una metáforato use a metaphor
  • una metáfora de la vidaa metaphor for life

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "metáfora" in Spanish:

metaphor

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: metáfora

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the metaphor'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
metafórico(metaphorical)Adjective
metafóricamente(metaphorically)Adverb
metaforizar(to metaphorize)Verb
🎵 Rhymes
ánforabitácora
📚 Etymology

From the Greek word 'metapherein,' which means 'to transfer' or 'to carry across.' It describes how a meaning is carried from one word to another.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: metaphorFrench: métaphoreItalian: metafora

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'metáfora' masculine or feminine?

It is feminine (la metáfora), despite coming from Greek like other words that are masculine.

What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile in Spanish?

A metaphor (metáfora) says something IS something else ('Tus ojos son mar'), while a simile (símil) uses comparison words like 'como' ('Tus ojos son como el mar').

Is 'metáfora' a common word?

Yes, it is very common in school, books, art discussions, and even in daily life when explaining that someone isn't speaking literally.