Inklingo

How to Say "diagram" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cuadro

/KWAA-droh//ˈkwaðɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'cuadro' when referring to a visual representation, like a chart or table, that displays data or information.
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'.

figura

fee-GOO-rah/fiˈɣuɾa/

nounB2general
Choose 'figura' when you mean an illustration or a diagram within a text, especially in academic or technical contexts, or for pieces in a game.
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.

plan

/plahn//plan/

nounB1general
Use 'plan' for a schematic representation, typically a blueprint or layout, like an architectural drawing or a floor plan.
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.

mapa

MAH-pah/ˈma.pa/

nounA1general
Opt for 'mapa' when the diagram is a conceptual drawing meant to guide or show a route, similar to a geographical map or a flowchart.
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.)

Chart vs. Plan vs. Illustration

Learners often confuse 'cuadro' (chart/table) with 'plan' (blueprint/layout). Remember, 'cuadro' is for presenting data visually, while 'plan' is for showing a structure or design. 'Figura' is usually an illustration within a text, and 'mapa' is for routes or conceptual flows.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.