How to Say "factor" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “factor” is “factor” — use 'factor' when referring to a general contributing element or cause, or specifically in a mathematical context for a number that divides another number.
factor
fahk-TOHRfakˈtoɾ
Examples
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.
Tienes que encontrar el factor común.
You have to find the common factor.
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).
Mathematical Use
In math, this refers specifically to the numbers being multiplied.
Gender Agreement
Mistake: “la factor”
Correction: el factor. Even though it doesn't end in 'o', it is a masculine noun.
elemento
eh-leh-MEN-tohe.leˈmen.to
Examples
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).
variable
bah-ryah-blehbaˈɾjaβle
Examples
Tenemos que controlar esta variable en el experimento.
We have to control this variable in the experiment.
En matemáticas, 'x' suele ser la variable.
In mathematics, 'x' is usually the variable.
El precio es una variable importante en nuestra decisión.
The price is an important factor in our decision.
Always Feminine
When used as a noun meaning 'a factor,' it is always feminine. Always use 'la variable' or 'una variable'.
Gender Error
Mistake: “El variable de estudio.”
Correction: La variable de estudio.
ingrediente
een-gre-dee-EN-tehiŋɡɾeˈðjente
Examples
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.
agente
ah-HEN-tehaˈxente
Examples
El cloro es un potente agente blanqueador.
Chlorine is a powerful bleaching agent.
La educación puede ser un agente de cambio social.
Education can be an agent of social change.
Identificaron el agente infeccioso en el laboratorio.
They identified the infectious agent in the lab.
gene
HEH-nehˈxene
Examples
Los científicos identificaron el gene responsable del color de las flores.
Scientists identified the gene responsible for the color of the flowers.
Ella cree que tiene un gene que la hace muy alta.
She believes she has a gene that makes her very tall.
La terapia con este gene podría curar la enfermedad.
Therapy with this gene could cure the disease.
Gender of 'gene'
Even though this word ends in '-e', it is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el gene'.
Making it plural
To talk about more than one, simply add an '-s' to get 'genes'. Both the singular forms 'gen' and 'gene' share the same plural: 'los genes'.
Confusion with 'Gente'
Mistake: “La gente es responsable de mi altura.”
Correction: El gene es responsable de mi altura. 'Gente' means 'people', while 'gene' refers to DNA.
General vs. Specific Causes
Related Translations
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