sustancia
/soos-TAHN-syah/
substance
Sustancia refers to physical matter or material things.
📝 In Action
El agua es una sustancia vital para la vida.
A1Water is a vital substance for life.
Ten cuidado, esa sustancia es pegajosa.
A2Be careful, that substance is sticky.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
This is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even though it describes physical matter.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Spelling Confusion
Mistake: "substancia"
Correction: sustancia is the most common modern spelling, though 'substancia' with a 'b' is also technically correct.
⭐ Usage Tips
Science vs. Daily Life
In Spanish, you use this word just like in English when talking about science or mysterious liquids.
Sustancia can represent the essence or core part of something.
sustancia(noun)
essence
?the core part of something
,content
?meaningful depth
substance
?weight or importance of an argument
📝 In Action
Su discurso fue largo pero no tenía mucha sustancia.
B2His speech was long but didn't have much substance.
Queremos llegar a la sustancia del problema.
C1We want to get to the core of the problem.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Sustancia' Figuratively
When you say a conversation 'has substance,' you mean it is serious and meaningful, not superficial.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about people
In some regions, saying a person 'tiene sustancia' means they are wise, grounded, or sensible.
Sustancia is often used to describe the nutrients or richness in food.
sustancia(noun)
nutrients
?goodness or richness in food
juice
?the flavorful extract from cooking meat or veggies
📝 In Action
Este caldo tiene mucha sustancia.
B1This broth is very rich and nutritious.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Kitchen Meaning
When your grandmother says the soup has 'sustancia,' she means it's hearty and will make you healthy.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sustancia
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sustancia' to mean that a soup is healthy and rich?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it 'sustancia' or 'substancia'?
Both are correct! However, 'sustancia' (without the 'b') is the preferred spelling according to the Royal Spanish Academy and is much more common in everyday writing.
Can I use 'sustancia' for illegal drugs?
Yes, just like in English, 'sustancias ilícitas' or 'sustancias prohibidas' is a formal way to refer to illegal drugs.