Inklingo
Dictionary

objeto

oh-BHEH-tohoˈβxeto

“objeto” means “object” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

objectA1Noun

physical item

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purposeB1Noun

the reason for something

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I objectB2Verb

first person singular, present tense

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object, thingAlso: item

NounmA1
A simple red cube block resting on a flat, plain surface.

📝 In Action

Encontré un objeto extraño en el jardín.

A1

I found a strange object in the garden.

Este objeto de cerámica es muy frágil.

A2

This ceramic object is very fragile.

¿Puedes pasarme ese objeto que está sobre la mesa?

A1

Can you pass me that thing that is on the table?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cosa (thing)
  • artículo (article, item)

Common Collocations

  • objeto volador no identificado (OVNI) – unidentified flying object (UFO)
  • objeto de valor – valuable object

purpose, aimAlso: subject

NounmB1formal
An arrow perfectly hitting the center bullseye of a colorful archery target, symbolizing purpose or a goal achieved.

📝 In Action

El objeto de la ley es proteger a los consumidores.

B1

The purpose of the law is to protect consumers.

Nuestro único objeto es terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

B2

Our sole aim is to finish the project on time.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • objeto de estudio – subject of study
  • con el objeto de – with the purpose of

I object, I oppose

VerbB2regular arformal
A large, open human hand raised vertically with the palm facing forward, acting as a clear stopping barrier against a small, approaching abstract shape.
infinitiveobjetar
gerundobjetando
past Participleobjetado

📝 In Action

Yo objeto esa propuesta por falta de claridad.

B2

I object to that proposal due to a lack of clarity.

Si objeto ahora, ¿tendré que explicar mis razones?

B2

If I object now, will I have to explain my reasons?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • protesto (I protest)
  • impugno (I challenge)

Indicative

Present

yoobjeto
túobjetas
él/ella/ustedobjeta
nosotrosobjetamos
vosotrosobjetáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesobjetan

Imperfect

yoobjetaba
túobjetabas
él/ella/ustedobjetaba
nosotrosobjetábamos
vosotrosobjetabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesobjetaban

Preterite

yoobjeté
túobjetaste
él/ella/ustedobjetó
nosotrosobjetamos
vosotrosobjetasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesobjetaron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yoobjete
túobjetes
él/ella/ustedobjete
nosotrosobjetemos
vosotrosobjetéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesobjeten

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoobjetara/objetase
túobjetaras/objetases
él/ella/ustedobjetara/objetase
nosotrosobjetáramos/objetásemos
vosotrosobjetarais/objetaseis
ellos/ellas/ustedesobjetaran/objetasen
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "objeto" in Spanish:

aimi objecti opposeitemobjectpurposesubjectthing

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: objeto

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'objeto' to mean 'purpose'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
objetivo(objective/goal (noun/adjective)) — Adjective
objetar(to object) — Verb
objeción(objection) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes
proyectoafecto
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'obiectus,' which literally meant 'thrown before' or 'put in front of.' This root explains both main meanings: something physically placed in front of you (the object) and something put forward for consideration or opposition (the purpose/objection).

First recorded: 15th century (in its modern Spanish form)

Cognates (Related words)

English: objectPortuguese: objetoFrench: objet

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'objeto' and 'cosa'?

'Cosa' is very casual and means 'thing' or 'stuff.' 'Objeto' is slightly more formal and emphasizes that the item is a distinct, definable physical thing.

¿Es 'objeto' un verbo?

The word 'objeto' itself is the 'yo' (I) form of the present tense of the verb 'objetar' (to object). However, the most common use of 'objeto' is the masculine noun meaning 'physical thing.'