Inklingo

How to Say "design" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “design” is “diseño” — use 'diseño' when referring to the plan, concept, or style of something, like a product, building, or graphic..

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diseño

/dee-SEH-nyo//diˈseɲo/

nounA2general
Use 'diseño' when referring to the plan, concept, or style of something, like a product, building, or graphic.
A close-up view of a hand sketching the outline of a modern, simple chair onto a piece of paper using a pencil.

Examples

El diseño de la casa es muy moderno.

The design of the house is very modern.

Contratamos a un experto para el diseño web.

We hired an expert for the website design.

Este vestido tiene un diseño floral precioso.

This dress has a beautiful floral pattern.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-o', which often indicates a masculine noun, 'diseño' is always masculine: use 'el diseño' or 'un diseño'.

dibujo

dee-BOO-ho/diˈβu.xo/

nounA1general
Use 'dibujo' for a drawing, sketch, or the visual pattern or layout of something, especially in art or craft.
A simple line drawing of a smiling sun on a piece of white paper, made with a black charcoal pencil.

Examples

Mi hija hizo un dibujo de un perro y me lo regaló.

My daughter made a drawing of a dog and gave it to me.

El arquitecto nos mostró el dibujo de la nueva casa.

The architect showed us the design/drawing of the new house.

Necesito un buen dibujo técnico para entender cómo funciona esta máquina.

I need a good technical drawing to understand how this machine works.

Gender Check

Remember that 'dibujo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it (e.g., 'el dibujo', 'un dibujo bonito').

planea

/pla-NEH-ah//plaˈne.a/

verbA2general
Use 'planea' (from 'planear') when you mean to plan or design a project, strategy, or event.
A person sitting at a wooden desk, thoughtfully examining a simple drawing of a house plan spread out before them.

Examples

Ella planea un viaje a Italia el próximo verano.

She is planning a trip to Italy next summer.

El equipo planea la nueva estrategia de marketing.

The team is planning the new marketing strategy.

Si usted planea la cena con anticipación, será más fácil.

If you plan dinner ahead of time, it will be easier. (Formal command)

Using 'Planear' with Infinitives

You can follow 'planear' directly with another verb in its base form (infinitive) to say what is being planned: 'Planea estudiar' (He plans to study).

Don't confuse the verb forms

Mistake: “Using 'planea' when you mean 'yo planeo' (I plan).”

Correction: 'Planea' is only for 'he/she/it/you formal.' Remember the 'o' ending is for 'yo' (I).

creación

kreh-ah-SYOHN/kreaˈθjon/

nounB1general
Use 'creación' for the result of creation, often referring to a work of art, fashion, or an original invention.
A vibrant, colorful painting of a smiling sun and green hills sits finished on a wooden easel, representing a completed work of art.

Examples

Esa escultura es una creación maravillosa.

That sculpture is a marvelous creation.

Su última creación literaria fue un éxito de ventas.

His latest literary creation (work) was a bestseller.

Using Adjectives

When 'creación' means the resulting product, it is often paired with descriptive adjectives (e.g., 'una creación impresionante' — an impressive creation) to praise the quality.

figura

fee-GOO-rah/fiˈɣuɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'figura' when referring to a geometric shape or a figure in a more abstract, diagrammatic sense.
A bright red triangle resting on a flat surface, illustrating a basic geometric outline.

Examples

El cuadrado es una figura geométrica simple.

The square is a simple geometric figure (shape).

Dibujó la figura de un corazón en la arena.

He drew the shape of a heart in the sand.

Mira qué figuras tan bonitas hacen las nubes.

Look what beautiful shapes the clouds are making.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'figura' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, which is common in Spanish. Remember to use 'la figura' or 'una figura'.

motivo

moh-TEE-voh/moˈtiβo/

nounB2general
Use 'motivo' for a recurring pattern, theme, or motif, especially in music, literature, or decorative arts.
An easel holds a canvas depicting a large, central, stylized red heart. Smaller, simple decorative elements like tiny stars and leaves are scattered around the heart, emphasizing the heart as the main subject.

Examples

La sinfonía tiene un motivo melódico que se repite en cada movimiento.

The symphony has a melodic motif that repeats in every movement.

El motivo floral domina el diseño de la tela.

The floral design/motif dominates the fabric pattern.

Context is Key

When 'motivo' is used in an artistic context, it refers to the core repeating idea or element that ties the work together.

Diseño vs. Dibujo

The most common confusion is between 'diseño' and 'dibujo'. Remember that 'diseño' refers to the overall concept, plan, or style (like the blueprint of a house), while 'dibujo' is typically the actual drawing or sketch, or a visual pattern.

Related Translations

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