How to Say "element" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “element” is “elemento” — use 'elemento' for a fundamental or essential part of something abstract, or for a chemical element.
elemento
eh-leh-MEN-tohe.leˈmen.to
Examples
La paciencia es un elemento clave para aprender un idioma.
Patience is a key element for learning a language.
La confianza es un elemento fundamental en cualquier relación.
Trust is a fundamental element in any relationship.
Necesitamos tres elementos para completar este circuito electrónico.
We need three components to complete this electronic circuit.
El tiempo es un elemento clave para el éxito de la receta.
Timing is a key factor for the success of the recipe.
Gender Check
Even though many Spanish nouns ending in '-a' are feminine, and nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, 'elemento' is always masculine (el elemento).
factor
fahk-TOHRfakˈtoɾ
Examples
El precio es un factor importante al comprar un coche.
Price is an important factor when buying a car.
El clima es un factor importante en este viaje.
The weather is an important factor on this trip.
Hay varios factores que debemos considerar.
There are several factors we must consider.
El factor suerte ayudó mucho al equipo.
The luck factor helped the team a lot.
Easy Cognate
This word is a 'perfect cognate,' meaning it looks and means the same thing in both Spanish and English. Just remember to stress the last syllable (TOHR).
Gender Agreement
Mistake: “la factor”
Correction: el factor. Even though it doesn't end in 'o', it is a masculine noun.
componente
kom-po-NEN-tekompoˈnente
Examples
El motor es un componente esencial del coche.
The engine is an essential component of the car.
Necesitamos comprar un componente nuevo para la computadora.
We need to buy a new component for the computer.
El componente humano es vital para el éxito de la empresa.
The human element is vital for the company's success.
Esta medicina tiene un componente activo muy fuerte.
This medicine has a very strong active ingredient.
Always Masculine for 'Parts'
When you are talking about a part of a machine or a member of a group, 'componente' is almost always masculine ('el componente'), even if the object it belongs to is feminine.
Pluralization Pattern
To make it plural, just add an '-s' to the end: 'los componentes'.
Confusing with 'Parte'
Mistake: “Using 'componente' for a piece of cake.”
Correction: Use 'pedazo' or 'trozo' for food portions. 'Componente' is for things that work together in a system.
ingrediente
een-gre-dee-EN-tehiŋɡɾeˈðjente
Examples
La comunicación es un ingrediente vital para una relación duradera.
Communication is a vital ingredient for a lasting relationship.
La confianza es el ingrediente clave de una buena amistad.
Trust is the key element of a good friendship.
El plan tiene todos los ingredientes para ser un éxito.
The plan has all the factors to be a success.
La película tiene los ingredientes típicos de un drama romántico.
The movie has the typical elements of a romantic drama.
Abstract Use
You can use this word for things you can't touch, like 'love' or 'luck', just like you use 'ingredient' in a metaphorical way in English.
eslabón
Examples
El ADN encontrado en la escena fue el eslabón perdido.
The DNA found at the scene was the missing link.
partícula
Examples
La partícula interrogativa 'qué' se usa al final de la oración.
The interrogative particle 'qué' is used at the end of the sentence.
Elemento vs. Componente
Related Translations
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