set
/seht/
set
In sports like tennis or volleyball, set refers to a scoring unit.
📝 In Action
El tenista ganó el primer set con un marcador de 6-3.
B1The tennis player won the first set with a score of 6-3.
Si pierden este set, el partido termina.
B1If they lose this set, the match ends.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule for Loanwords
Even though 'set' comes from English, in Spanish it is treated as a masculine noun, so you must use 'el set' or 'un set'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong plural form
Mistake: "Muchos sets."
Correction: Although 'sets' is sometimes used, it's often better to say 'varios sets' or rephrase to avoid the English plural rule, as the Spanish plural for loanwords can be tricky.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
The pronunciation is very close to English, but make sure the 't' is clear and not silent.
A set can be the location or stage where a film or play is recorded.
set(noun)
set
?Filming location or stage
stage
?The prepared area for a scene
,location
?General filming area
📝 In Action
El director pidió silencio absoluto en el set de grabación.
B2The director requested absolute silence on the filming set.
Terminamos la escena y desmontaron todo el set.
B2We finished the scene and they dismantled the entire set.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When talking about movies or TV, 'set' refers to the physical place where the action happens, making it distinct from the sports meaning.
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative Terminology
While 'set' is understood, especially in Latin America, you might hear 'plató' or 'escenario' in Spain, particularly for a studio set.
This word also describes a set or collection of related items, such as tools or makeup.
set(noun)
set
?Collection/Kit (e.g., tools, makeup)
mix
?Music session (DJ set)
,kit
?A collection of equipment
📝 In Action
El DJ puso un set increíble de música electrónica durante tres horas.
C1The DJ played an incredible set of electronic music for three hours.
Compró un set de herramientas básicas para su nuevo apartamento.
B2She bought a basic set of tools for her new apartment.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing the loanword
Mistake: "Necesito un set de ropa nueva."
Correction: Necesito un conjunto de ropa nueva. (Use 'conjunto' for general collections like clothes or ideas.)
⭐ Usage Tips
When to Use 'Set'
Reserve 'set' for highly specific contexts, like sports, film, or technical/branded collections, where the English term is often preferred by enthusiasts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: set
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'set' in the context of film production?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'set' masculine or feminine in Spanish?
It is always treated as a masculine noun: 'el set.' This is typical for loanwords adopted directly from English when the gender isn't clearly defined by the ending.
How do I pluralize 'set'?
Since it's a relatively new loanword, there is variation. You can sometimes hear 'los sets' (following the English plural rule), but many speakers prefer to use the same form for singular and plural, relying on the article: 'un set' vs. 'los set' or simply using a synonym like 'conjuntos' for the plural.