variación
“variación” means “variation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
variation
Also: change, alteration
📝 In Action
Hubo una pequeña variación en el precio de la gasolina.
A2There was a small variation in the price of gasoline.
El clima de esta región tiene mucha variación durante el día.
B1The climate in this region has a lot of variation during the day.
Cualquier variación en el plan debe ser aprobada por el jefe.
B2Any variation in the plan must be approved by the boss.
variation
Also: mutation
📝 In Action
Escuchamos las variaciones de Beethoven sobre un tema de Mozart.
B2We listened to Beethoven's variations on a theme by Mozart.
La variación genética es esencial para la supervivencia de las especies.
C1Genetic variation is essential for the survival of species.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: variación
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct plural form of 'variación'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'variatio', which describes the act of making something diverse or changing its appearance.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'variación' and 'cambio'?
'Cambio' is the general word for 'change'. 'Variación' is often used for small, measured, or technical changes in things like prices, temperature, or music.
Why does the accent disappear in the plural?
Spanish rules say that if a word ends in 's', the stress naturally falls on the second-to-last syllable. In 'variaciones', the stress naturally lands on the 'o', so the written accent is no longer needed to tell you how to say it.
Can I use 'variación' to mean 'variety'?
Not usually. 'Variedad' is the word for a wide range of things (like a variety of fruits). 'Variación' is the act of changing or a specific version of something.