volcán
/vohl-KAHN/
volcano
A volcano as a powerful geological feature.
📝 In Action
El volcán está activo y echa humo.
A1The volcano is active and is emitting smoke.
Mucha gente vive cerca de la base del volcán.
A2Many people live near the base of the volcano.
La lava del volcán destruyó el bosque.
B1The lava from the volcano destroyed the forest.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender of 'volcán'
Even though it ends in 'n', it is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
The Accent Mark
Words ending in 'n' that stress the last syllable must have a written accent mark (tilde).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the accent
Mistake: "volcan"
Correction: volcán (The accent is necessary to show the stress is on the end of the word).
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural Form
When making it plural, 'volcanes', the accent mark disappears because the stress naturally stays on the second-to-last syllable.
A person described as a 'volcano' due to their explosive emotions.
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado con lo que dices, ella es un volcán.
B2Be careful what you say, she is a volcano (very temperamental).
Su pasión es un volcán que nunca se apaga.
C1His passion is a volcano that never goes out.
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical use
Like in English, you can use physical objects to describe people's personalities.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emotional context
This can be a compliment for passion or a warning about someone's temper.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: volcán
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is the correct plural form of 'volcán'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'volcán' masculine or feminine?
It is masculine: 'el volcán'.
Why does 'volcán' have an accent mark?
Because the emphasis is on the last syllable, and it ends in 'n'. In Spanish, words ending in 'n', 's', or a vowel need an accent if the last syllable is the strongest.