tramar
“tramar” means “to plot” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to plot, to scheme
Also: to be up to
📝 In Action
Los villanos están tramando un plan para robar el banco.
B1The villains are plotting a plan to rob the bank.
¿Qué están tramando ustedes dos en la cocina?
B1What are you two up to in the kitchen?
Ella tramó una sorpresa increíble para el cumpleaños de su madre.
B2She hatched an incredible surprise for her mother's birthday.
to weave
Also: to interlace
📝 In Action
El artesano trama la seda para crear un tapiz.
C1The artisan weaves the silk to create a tapestry.
Es difícil tramar hilos tan finos a mano.
C1It is difficult to weave such fine threads by hand.
La máquina trama el algodón automáticamente.
B2The machine weaves the cotton automatically.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tramar
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the most common use of 'tramar' today?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'trama', which referred to the horizontal threads in a loom (the weft). The meaning evolved from physically weaving threads to 'weaving' a secret plan or story.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tramar' always a bad thing?
Not necessarily! While it often implies something sneaky or malicious (like a bank robbery), you can also 'tramar' a surprise party or a positive secret plan.
What is the difference between 'tramar' and 'tejer'?
'Tejer' is the general word for weaving or knitting. 'Tramar' is more technical in textiles, but in daily life, it's almost always used metaphorically for plotting.
Can I use 'tramar' to talk about the plot of a movie?
No, to talk about the plot itself, you use the noun 'la trama'. You use the verb 'tramar' for the action of creating that plot or plan.