Inklingo

How to Say "figure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “figure” is “figura” — use 'figura' for geometric shapes, a person's body shape, a prominent personality, or a piece in a game like chess..

English → Spanish

figura

fee-GOO-rah/fiˈɣuɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'figura' for geometric shapes, a person's body shape, a prominent personality, or a piece in a game like chess.
A bright red triangle resting on a flat surface, illustrating a basic geometric outline.

Examples

El cuadrado es una figura geométrica simple.

The square is a simple geometric figure (shape).

Dibujó la figura de un corazón en la arena.

He drew the shape of a heart in the sand.

Mira qué figuras tan bonitas hacen las nubes.

Look what beautiful shapes the clouds are making.

Ella tiene una figura atlética gracias al deporte.

She has an athletic figure thanks to sports.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'figura' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, which is common in Spanish. Remember to use 'la figura' or 'una figura'.

numero

/NOO-meh-roh//ˈnu.me.ɾo/

nounA1general
Use 'numero' specifically when referring to a numerical digit, a quantity, or a number itself, such as a phone number.
A collection of exactly five brightly colored, identical apples arranged in a neat row, illustrating a quantity.

Examples

Mi número de teléfono es fácil de recordar.

My phone number is easy to remember.

Escribe el número tres en la pizarra.

Write the number three on the board.

Necesito un número par para mi billete de lotería.

I need an even number for my lottery ticket.

Masculine Noun

In Spanish, all words for numbers are masculine, so you always use 'el número' or 'un número'.

The Crucial Accent Mark

Mistake: “Using 'numero' when you mean 'number'.”

Correction: The correct noun is *número* (with an accent over the 'u'). Without the accent, 'numero' means 'I number' (a verb form).

forma

/for-mah//ˈfoɾma/

nounA1general
Use 'forma' when describing the general shape or outline of an object, like the shape of a table or a cloud.
A collection of simple, brightly colored geometric shapes representing outlines.

Examples

La mesa tiene forma redonda.

The table has a round shape.

Me gusta la forma de esa botella.

I like the shape of that bottle.

El escultor dio forma a la arcilla.

The sculptor gave form to the clay.

Feminine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in '-a' in English, 'forma' is a feminine word in Spanish. Always use 'la forma' or 'una forma'.

personaje

per-soh-NA-heh/peɾsoˈnaxe/

nounB1general
Use 'personaje' to refer to a notable or important person, especially one who plays a significant role in a particular field or event.
A colorful storybook illustration of a distinguished person wearing a dark business suit standing confidently behind a wooden podium, representing a notable public figure.

Examples

Es un personaje influyente en la política local.

He is an influential figure in local politics.

Ese señor es un personaje, siempre cuenta historias increíbles.

That man is quite a character; he always tells incredible stories.

Figurative Use

When used in this sense, 'personaje' often implies the person has a strong, distinctive, or sometimes eccentric personality, making them memorable like a character in a story.

imagen

/ee-MAH-hen//iˈma.xen/

nounA1general
Use 'imagen' to refer to a religious statue or image, or more commonly, a picture or photograph.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a framed picture hanging on a wall, depicting a bright red apple with a small green leaf.

Examples

Me encanta la imagen que tomaste de la puesta de sol.

I love the picture you took of the sunset.

La televisión tiene una imagen muy clara y nítida.

The television has a very clear and sharp picture.

En la iglesia había una imagen antigua de la virgen.

In the church there was an old statue of the virgin.

Feminine Noun Trick

Even though 'imagen' ends in '-en' and doesn't end in '-a', it is a feminine noun. Remember to use 'la' or 'una': la imagen.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El imagen es bonita.”

Correction: La imagen es bonita. (It's a tricky one, but nouns ending in -gen like *imagen* are usually feminine.)

Figura vs. Personaje for People

Learners often confuse 'figura' and 'personaje' when referring to people. Use 'figura' for a general presence or a key role (like a 'key figure'), and 'personaje' for someone influential or a character in a story. 'Figura' can also mean body shape, which 'personaje' never does.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.