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sombra

/SOM-brah/

shadow

A cartoon dog standing in bright sunlight, casting a sharp, dark shadow on the ground.

The dark shape cast by blocking light is called a sombra (shadow).

sombra(noun)

fA1

shadow

?

the dark shape cast by blocking light

📝 In Action

Mi sombra era muy larga al atardecer.

A1

My shadow was very long at sunset.

Vimos la sombra de un pájaro volando sobre nosotros.

A2

We saw the shadow of a bird flying over us.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • silueta (silhouette)

Antonyms

  • luz (light)

Common Collocations

  • proyectar una sombra – to cast a shadow

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though 'sombra' starts with 'so', it is a feminine noun, so always use 'la sombra' (the shadow) or 'una sombra' (a shadow).

A picnic setup resting beneath the cool, dark canopy of a large green tree, sheltered from the bright sun.

If you are looking for an area sheltered from direct sunlight, you are looking for sombra (shade).

sombra(noun)

fA2

shade

?

area sheltered from direct sunlight

Also:

cover

?

protection from the elements

📝 In Action

Hace mucho calor, ¡busquemos la sombra de ese árbol!

A2

It's very hot, let's look for the shade of that tree!

Prefiero leer a la sombra que bajo el sol directo.

B1

I prefer reading in the shade than under direct sun.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • frescor (coolness)
  • penumbra (half-light/partial shade)

Common Collocations

  • a la sombra – in the shade
  • echar sombra – to cast shade

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'A la sombra'

To say you are 'in the shade,' Spanish often uses the preposition 'a' (to/at) or 'en' (in): 'Estamos a la sombra' or 'Estamos en la sombra.'

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Shade and Darkness

Mistake: "Using 'oscuridad' when referring to shade from the sun."

Correction: 'Oscuridad' means total darkness (like night). Use 'sombra' when you mean 'shade' from the sun.

A clear glass jar that is nearly empty, showing only a small trace of bright red sand remaining at the bottom.

Even a small amount, or a sombra (trace), of something can be important.

sombra(noun)

fB2

trace

?

a hint or small amount

,

specter

?

a ghost or haunting presence

Also:

ghost

?

a supernatural entity

,

hint

?

a slight suggestion

📝 In Action

No queda ni la sombra de lo que fue antes.

B2

There is not even a trace of what it once was.

Tenía la sombra de la duda en su voz.

C1

He had a hint of doubt in his voice.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • ni la sombra de – not even a trace of; nowhere near

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'sombra' often refers to something intangible, like a feeling, memory, or a slight presence.

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Doubt

Use the idiom 'ni la sombra de duda' to strongly state that there is absolutely no doubt about something.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sombra

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'sombra' to mean a place of coolness, not a dark shape?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sombrío(gloomy, shadowy (adjective)) - adjective
sombrear(to shade (verb)) - verb
sombrilla(parasol, sun umbrella (noun)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'sombra' and 'oscuridad'?

'Sombra' refers to a specific area that is dark because something is blocking the light (a shadow or shade). 'Oscuridad' means general darkness or lack of light, like when the lights are off or at midnight.

Can 'sombra' be used for eyeshadow or makeup?

Yes, 'sombra de ojos' is the common term for eyeshadow in Spanish, literally meaning 'shadow for the eyes.'