partícula
“partícula” means “particle” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
particle
Also: speck, fragment
📝 In Action
Había muchas partículas de polvo flotando en el aire.
A2There were many dust particles floating in the air.
Los científicos están estudiando las partículas subatómicas.
B2Scientists are studying subatomic particles.
No quedó ni una partícula de evidencia en la escena.
C1Not a single speck of evidence remained at the scene.
particle
Also: element
📝 In Action
La partícula 'se' puede cambiar totalmente el significado de un verbo.
B2The particle 'se' can totally change the meaning of a verb.
En español, 'no' es la partícula negativa básica.
B1In Spanish, 'no' is the basic negative particle.
Algunas partículas se añaden al principio de las palabras.
C1Some particles are added to the beginning of words.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: partícula
Question 1 of 3
Which word would you use to describe a tiny bit of dust?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'particula', which is the 'little' version of the word 'pars' (meaning 'part'). It literally means 'a very small part'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'partícula' and 'pedazo' the same?
Not exactly. A 'pedazo' is a piece or chunk you can usually pick up with your fingers (like a piece of bread). A 'partícula' is much smaller, often invisible or tiny like a speck of dust.
Does 'partícula' have a plural form?
Yes, the plural is 'partículas'. For example: 'Las partículas de polen'.
Can I use 'partícula' to mean a 'part' of a movie?
No. For a section of a movie or book, use 'parte' or 'sección'. 'Partícula' is strictly for tiny physical bits or specific small words in grammar.