Inklingo

How to Say "fashion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estilo

es-TEE-loh/esˈtilo/

nounA2period style or trend
Use 'estilo' when referring to a current trend, a particular look, or the aesthetic characteristic of a person, place, or thing.
A child carefully stacks colorful wooden blocks in a precise, straight manner, illustrating a specific style or method of building.

Examples

La moda de los años 80 tenía un estilo muy particular.

The fashion of the 80s had a very particular style.

Me gusta el estilo de ese pintor, es muy moderno.

I like the style of that painter; it is very modern.

Ella tiene un estilo de vida muy saludable.

She has a very healthy lifestyle (style of life).

Necesitas cambiar tu estilo de escritura si quieres publicar el libro.

You need to change your writing style if you want to publish the book.

Always Masculine

Remember that 'estilo' is a masculine noun, so you always use the masculine word for 'the' ('el estilo') and make adjectives agree ('un estilo moderno').

Confusing 'Estilo' and 'Moda'

Mistake: “Usando la moda personal (Using 'moda' for personal style).”

Correction: 'Estilo' refers to your characteristic way of doing things or dressing; 'moda' specifically means a current trend or fashion that will eventually pass.

manera

/ma-NEH-ra//maˈneɾa/

nounA1in the style of
Use 'manera' when you want to talk about the way someone does something, their method, or how they express themselves.
Two distinct paths, one paved and one dirt trail, both leading toward a bright, welcoming destination building.

Examples

Me gusta la manera en que viste.

I like the way she dresses.

Me gusta la manera en que explicas las cosas.

I like the way you explain things.

Hay dos maneras de llegar al aeropuerto.

There are two ways to get to the airport.

Lo saludó de una manera muy amable.

She greeted him in a very kind manner.

Describing How: 'de manera' + Adjective

A super common pattern is 'de manera' followed by a describing word (adjective) to say how something is done. For example, 'de manera rápida' (quickly), 'de manera eficiente' (efficiently). It works just like adding '-ly' in English.

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Habló manera clara.”

Correction: Habló de manera clara. To say 'in a... way', you almost always need the little word 'de' before 'manera'.

modo

/moh-doh//ˈmo.ðo/

nounA2in the style of
Use 'modo' to describe someone's characteristic way of behaving, their attitude, or their general approach to life.
A person standing at a junction where three different colored paths diverge, all leading toward the same small, brightly colored house in the distance, illustrating different 'ways' or 'manners' of achieving a goal.

Examples

Tiene un modo de hablar muy educado.

He has a very polite way of speaking.

Me gusta tu modo de ser.

I like your way of being.

Hazlo de este modo y será más fácil.

Do it this way and it will be easier.

De todos modos, gracias por tu ayuda.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

Using 'anyway'

Mistake: “Sometimes learners try to translate 'anyway' word-for-word. For example, *'Cualquier modo, gracias.'*”

Correction: The correct set phrase is 'de todos modos'. For example, 'De todos modos, gracias'. Think of it as a single chunk of vocabulary that means 'anyway' or 'in any case'.

Estilo vs. Manera/Modo

The most common mistake is using 'estilo' when referring to a personal way of doing things or behaving. Remember, 'estilo' is primarily about trends and aesthetics, while 'manera' and 'modo' describe methods and personal characteristics.

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