Inklingo

How to Say "cube" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cubo

/koo-bo//ˈku.βo/

nounB1general
Use 'cubo' when referring to the geometric solid with six equal square faces, or the third power of a number.
A perfectly formed yellow three-dimensional geometric cube floating in a plain setting.

Examples

El volumen de un cubo se calcula elevando la longitud de su lado al cubo.

The volume of a cube is calculated by raising the length of its side to the third power.

Este rompecabezas es un cubo mágico de colores.

This puzzle is a magical colored cube (like a Rubik’s Cube).

Tres al cubo es veintisiete (3³ = 27).

Three cubed is twenty-seven.

Math Usage

When talking about numbers raised to the power of three (e.g., 2³), you use the phrase 'al cubo' (two to the cube).

dado

/DAH-doh//ˈda.ðo/

nounA1informal
Use 'dado' when referring to the small, throwable block with numbered faces used in board games, also known as a die.
A single, white, six-sided gaming die with black dots showing the number six on the top face, resting on a colorful table.

Examples

Necesitamos un dado para jugar.

We need a die to play.

Tira el dado y mueve tu ficha.

Roll the die and move your piece.

Me salió un seis en el dado.

I got a six on the die.

Singular vs. Plural

One is 'un dado'. Two or more are 'dos dados'. This is different from English where 'dice' can be singular or plural.

Cubo vs. Dado

Learners often confuse 'cubo' and 'dado' because both can refer to a block shape. Remember that 'cubo' is for geometry and math, while 'dado' is specifically for game pieces like dice.

Related Translations

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