Inklingo

How to Say "contour" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contorno

kon-TOR-nokonˈtoɾno

nounA2general
Use 'contorno' when referring to the outer edge or shape of an object, like drawing its outline.
A thick black line tracing the outer edge of a bright red apple.

Examples

Dibuja el contorno de tu mano en el papel.

Draw the outline of your hand on the paper.

Las luces de la ciudad definían el contorno de las montañas.

The city lights defined the contour of the mountains.

El artista resaltó el contorno con un lápiz más oscuro.

The artist highlighted the outline with a darker pencil.

Gender Identification

Since it ends in '-o', it follows the standard rule of being a masculine naming word (masculine noun).

Using 'línea' for everything

Mistake:La línea de la montaña.

Correction: El contorno de la montaña.

perfil

pehr-FEELpeɾˈfil

nounB1general
Use 'perfil' when describing the general shape of something, especially a side view or silhouette of a person or object.
A simple drawing of a human face clearly shown from the side view (profile view) against a light background.

Examples

El artista dibujó un hermoso perfil de la modelo.

The artist drew a beautiful profile (side view) of the model.

Solo se veía el perfil de la montaña contra el cielo.

Only the silhouette of the mountain could be seen against the sky.

La foto fue tomada de perfil, no de frente.

The photo was taken in profile (from the side), not from the front.

Using 'De Perfil'

To say someone is standing or being viewed from the side, use the phrase 'de perfil'.

Outline vs. Side View

Learners often confuse 'contorno' and 'perfil' by using 'perfil' for any shape. Remember, 'contorno' is for the outer edge or drawing an outline, while 'perfil' is specifically for a side view or silhouette.

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