Inklingo

How to Say "die" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dado

/DAH-doh//ˈda.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-bo//ˈku.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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