Inklingo
← Dictionary

sustancia

soos-TAHN-syah/susˈtansja/

substance

Also: material
NounfA2
A pile of different colored physical materials like clay, wood, and stone.

📝 In Action

El agua es una sustancia vital para la vida.

A1

Water is a vital substance for life.

Ten cuidado, esa sustancia es pegajosa.

A2

Be careful, that substance is sticky.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • vacío (vacuum/emptiness)

Common Collocations

  • sustancia química – chemical substance
  • sustancia peligrosa – dangerous substance

essence, content

Also: substance
NounfB2
A bright glowing core inside a simple wooden treasure chest.

📝 In Action

Su discurso fue largo pero no tenía mucha sustancia.

B2

His speech was long but didn't have much substance.

Queremos llegar a la sustancia del problema.

C1

We want to get to the core of the problem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • esencia (essence)
  • fundamento (foundation/basis)

Antonyms

  • superficialidad (shallowness)

Common Collocations

  • con sustancia – meaningful/with depth

nutrients

Also: juice
NounfB1informal
A bowl of thick vegetable soup with colorful steam rising from it.

📝 In Action

Este caldo tiene mucha sustancia.

B1

This broth is very rich and nutritious.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • jugo (juice)
  • nutrientes (nutrients)

Common Collocations

  • sacar la sustancia – to get the goodness out (of food)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sustancia" in Spanish:

content→essence→juice→material→nutrients→substance→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sustancia

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'sustancia' to mean that a soup is healthy and rich?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
sustancial(substantial) — Adjective
sustancioso(nutritious/rich) — Adjective
sustantivo(noun) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'substantia,' which literally means 'that which stands underneath.' It describes the foundation or essential material of anything.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: substanceFrench: substance

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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.