Inklingo

How to Say "die" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dado

DAH-dohˈda.ðo

NounA1General
Use 'dado' when referring to the singular form of dice used in games and chance-based activities.
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

koo-boˈku.βo

NounB1General
Use 'cubo' when referring to a geometric cube, the mathematical concept of a cube, or a single side of a die when discussing its dimensions or volume.
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).

Game vs. Geometry

Learners often confuse 'dado' and 'cubo' because both are cube-shaped. Remember that 'dado' is almost exclusively for playing games, while 'cubo' refers to the geometric shape or a component of a die when discussing its mathematical properties.

Related Translations

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