solar
“solar” means “solar” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
solar
Also: sun's
📝 In Action
El sistema solar incluye ocho planetas.
A2The solar system includes eight planets.
Necesitamos más paneles solares para ahorrar electricidad.
B1We need more solar panels to save electricity.
lot, building site
Also: ground
📝 In Action
Compraron un solar en las afueras para construir la casa de sus sueños.
B1They bought a lot on the outskirts to build their dream house.
El ayuntamiento vendió varios solares en el centro de la ciudad.
B2The city council sold several plots in the city center.
to sole
Also: to floor
📝 In Action
Tengo que llevar mis botas al zapatero para que me las sole.
C1I have to take my boots to the shoemaker so he can sole them for me.
El constructor está solando la terraza con baldosas de cerámica.
C2The builder is flooring the terrace with ceramic tiles (paving the terrace).
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: solar
Question 1 of 2
Which of the following sentences uses 'solar' as a noun (a plot of land)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Solar' is a fascinating word because its meanings come from two different Latin roots! The adjective meaning ('related to the sun') comes from the Latin word *solaris*, meaning 'of the sun.' The noun meaning ('plot of land') and the verb meaning ('to floor/sole') both come from the Latin word *solum*, meaning 'ground' or 'base.' They sound the same today, but they had separate journeys!
First recorded: 13th century (in its current forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if 'solar' means 'sun-related' or 'plot of land'?
If 'solar' is used before or after a noun and changes its meaning (e.g., 'energía solar'), it's the adjective (sun-related). If you see 'el solar' or 'un solar' and it's acting as a thing, it's the noun (plot of land).
Is the verb 'solar' (to sole a shoe) common?
Not very. Unless you are a shoemaker or talking about specialized construction work (like flooring a patio), you are unlikely to hear this verb often. Focus on the adjective and noun meanings first.