plataforma
/pla-ta-FOR-ma/
platform
A raised physical structure, like a stage or train station, is one meaning of plataforma.
plataforma(noun)
platform
?Raised physical structure (e.g., train station, stage)
,deck
?On a ship or rig
stage
?Raised area for performance
📝 In Action
El tren a Madrid sale de la plataforma número tres.
A2The train to Madrid leaves from platform number three.
Los obreros construyeron una plataforma temporal para pintar el techo.
B1The workers built a temporary platform to paint the ceiling.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in '-a', 'plataforma' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Train Station Use
In Spain and other regions, 'andén' is often used specifically for train platforms, but 'plataforma' is universally understood.
Plataforma can refer to a digital service or technological system.
plataforma(noun)
platform
?Digital service or technological system
system
?Software environment
,service
?Streaming or educational service
📝 In Action
Usamos una plataforma de videoconferencia para las clases en línea.
B1We use a video conferencing platform for online classes.
Netflix es la plataforma de streaming más popular del mundo.
B2Netflix is the most popular streaming platform in the world.
Nuestra tienda opera desde una plataforma de comercio electrónico.
C1Our store operates from an e-commerce platform.
💡 Grammar Points
Technology Context
This meaning is a direct borrowing from English, referring to the foundational software or service that allows other things to function.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tech Terminology
When talking about operating systems (like Windows or Mac OS), you can also use 'plataforma' to refer to the base environment.
A set of political goals or principles is also called a plataforma.
plataforma(noun)
platform
?Set of political goals or principles
,manifesto
?Political program
program
?Set of defined objectives
📝 In Action
El partido político presentó su plataforma electoral antes de las elecciones.
C1The political party presented its electoral platform before the elections.
La nueva plataforma de activistas busca la igualdad de género.
C1The new activists' platform seeks gender equality.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
Here, 'plataforma' is used figuratively to mean the 'base' or foundation of someone's political or social beliefs.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: plataforma
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'plataforma' is used in the sentence: 'El gobierno debe escuchar la plataforma de los sindicatos'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'plataforma' the same as 'andén'?
They are very similar, but not identical. 'Andén' is usually reserved specifically for the platform at a train station where passengers wait for the train. 'Plataforma' is broader and can refer to any raised, flat surface, including a train platform, a stage, or a construction deck.
How do I know if 'plataforma' refers to technology or politics?
Context is key! If you see words like 'digital,' 'streaming,' or 'online,' it’s the technology system. If you see words like 'electoral,' 'partido,' or 'gobierno,' it refers to the political program or set of ideas.