Inklingo

How to Say "diagram" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “diagram” is “gráfico” — use this word for a visual representation of data or information, like a chart or graph showing trends.

gráficoA2

Use this word for a visual representation of data or information, like a chart or graph showing trends.

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esquema🔊A2

Choose this for a simplified visual representation, often used to organize ideas or information for study or planning.

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cuadro🔊B1

Use this when referring to a visual representation, especially one that presents data in a structured format like a table or chart.

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mapa🔊A1

This word is best for a visual representation that shows a route, layout, or conceptual relationship between places or ideas.

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plan🔊B1

Use this for a detailed visual representation of a design or layout, such as architectural blueprints or a detailed project outline.

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figura🔊B2

This is used for a specific illustration or diagram within a larger text, often numbered, like in a math or science book.

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English → Spanish

gráfico

nounA2general
Use this word for a visual representation of data or information, like a chart or graph showing trends.

Examples

Este gráfico muestra el crecimiento de la empresa.

This chart shows the company's growth.

esquema

es-KE-maesˈkema

nounA2general
Choose this for a simplified visual representation, often used to organize ideas or information for study or planning.
A simple drawing showing the silhouette of a tree with branches, representing a structured outline.

Examples

Hice un esquema para estudiar para el examen.

I made an outline to study for the exam.

El profesor dibujó un esquema en la pizarra.

The teacher drew a diagram on the board.

Necesitamos un esquema claro antes de empezar el proyecto.

We need a clear plan before starting the project.

The 'MA' Gender Rule

Even though it ends in 'a', this word is masculine because it comes from Greek. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el esquema'.

Plural Form

To make it plural, just add an 's' to the end: 'los esquemas'. The gender remains masculine.

Wrong Gender

Mistake: “La esquema es útil.”

Correction: El esquema es útil. Words of Greek origin ending in -ma (like drama, tema, systema) are almost always masculine.

cuadro

KWAA-drohˈkwaðɾo

nounB1general
Use this when referring to a visual representation, especially one that presents data in a structured format like a table or chart.
A visual representation of data organized into a simple grid structure using varying sized colorful blocks.

Examples

Incluí un cuadro con las ventas del último trimestre.

I included a chart with the sales from the last quarter.

El doctor analizó el cuadro de síntomas del paciente.

The doctor analyzed the patient's set of symptoms (clinical picture).

Medical Use

In medicine, 'cuadro' is often used to summarize all the physical signs and symptoms of a disease, like saying 'the whole clinical picture'.

mapa

MAH-pahˈma.pa

nounA1general
This word is best for a visual representation that shows a route, layout, or conceptual relationship between places or ideas.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration showing an antique paper map unrolled on a wooden surface. The map features stylized green continents, blue oceans, a winding path, and a simple red marker indicating a destination.

Examples

Necesitamos un mapa para encontrar el camino al pueblo.

We need a map to find the way to the town.

El mapa del metro es muy confuso.

The subway map is very confusing.

Presentaron el mapa de ruta para los próximos cinco años de la empresa.

They presented the roadmap (plan) for the company's next five years.

The Masculine Exception

Even though 'mapa' ends in -a, it is a masculine noun. This is because it comes from Greek. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el mapa', 'un mapa grande'.

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: “Dame la mapa, por favor.”

Correction: Dame el mapa, por favor. (Remember that words ending in -ma, like 'problema' and 'tema', are often masculine.)

plan

plahnplan

nounB1general
Use this for a detailed visual representation of a design or layout, such as architectural blueprints or a detailed project outline.
A top-down view of a simple, stylized city map showing the layout of streets, a river, and several buildings.

Examples

El arquitecto nos mostró el plan de la nueva casa.

The architect showed us the floor plan of the new house.

Necesito un plan de la ciudad para encontrar el hotel.

I need a city map to find the hotel.

figura

fee-GOO-rahfiˈɣuɾa

nounB2academic
This is used for a specific illustration or diagram within a larger text, often numbered, like in a math or science book.
A single, polished wooden chess knight piece standing alone.

Examples

La figura del caballo se movió dos casillas.

The knight piece moved two squares.

El libro de texto incluye una figura que explica el proceso.

The textbook includes a diagram that explains the process.

Esta figura de porcelana es muy antigua.

This porcelain figure (statue) is very old.

Gráfico vs. Esquema

Learners often confuse 'gráfico' and 'esquema'. Remember that 'gráfico' is typically for data visualization (like charts), while 'esquema' is more for organizing thoughts or steps in a simplified, often linear, way.

Related Translations

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