planos
“planos” means “blueprints” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
blueprints, plans
Also: shots, takes
📝 In Action
El arquitecto nos mostró los planos del nuevo edificio.
B1The architect showed us the blueprints for the new building.
Necesitamos revisar los planos eléctricos antes de empezar la obra.
B1We need to check the electrical plans before starting the construction.
El director de fotografía usó muchos primeros planos para crear tensión.
B2The cinematographer used a lot of close-up shots to create tension.
flat, level
Also: plain
📝 In Action
Los terrenos aquí son muy planos, perfectos para cultivar.
A2The lands here are very flat, perfect for cultivating.
Necesitamos que estos tablones estén planos antes de usarlos.
B1We need these planks to be level before using them.
Sus zapatos son planos, sin tacón.
A2His shoes are flat, without a heel.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: planos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'planos' as a noun (meaning drawings)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *plānus*, meaning 'level' or 'flat.' This root is also the origin of English words like 'plain' and 'plane.' The meaning shifted from describing a flat surface to describing the drawing or representation of something on a flat surface (a plan/blueprint).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'planos' related to the word for 'airplane'?
Yes, indirectly. The Spanish word for airplane is *avión* or *aeroplano*. *Aeroplano* literally means 'air plane,' and the 'plano' part refers to the flat wings or the concept of a geometric plane.
How do I know if 'planos' means 'flat' or 'blueprints'?
Look at the surrounding words. If it follows a form of *ser* or *estar* (like 'son planos'), it's an adjective meaning 'flat.' If it follows an article (*los*) and is being discussed as an object (like 'entregar los planos'), it means 'blueprints' or 'plans'.