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sombra

SOM-brahˈsom.bɾa

shadow

NounfA1
A cartoon dog standing in bright sunlight, casting a sharp, dark shadow on the ground.

📝 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

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • proyectar una sombra – to cast a shadow

shade

Also: cover
NounfA2
A picnic setup resting beneath the cool, dark canopy of a large green tree, sheltered from the bright sun.

📝 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

trace, specter

Also: ghost, hint
NounfB2
A clear glass jar that is nearly empty, showing only a small trace of bright red sand remaining at the bottom.

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sombra" in Spanish:

cover→ghost→hint→shade→shadow→specter→trace→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
alfombraasombra
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *umbra*, which meant 'shadow' or 'shade.' The initial 's-' was added later, possibly influenced by similar Latin words like *sub* (under) or *semi* (half), creating a word that meant 'under the shadow.'

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around the 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: ombraFrench: ombre

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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.'