Inklingo

How to Say "form" in Spanish

English → Spanish

forma

for-mahˈfoɾma

nounA1general
Use 'forma' when referring to the general shape, appearance, or physical condition of something or someone.
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.

Por favor, rellene esta forma con sus datos personales.

Please, fill out this form with your personal data.

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'.

forma

for-mahˈfoɾma

nounB1general
Use 'forma' to talk about being in good physical condition or fit.
A collection of simple, brightly colored geometric shapes representing outlines.

Examples

Voy al gimnasio para estar en forma.

I go to the gym to be in shape.

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'.

formulario

for-moo-LAH-ryohfoɾmuˈlaɾjo

nounA2general
Use 'formulario' when referring to a specific document, especially an official one, that you need to fill out with information.
A colorful storybook illustration of a single paper document with several empty rectangular boxes and small lines for writing.

Examples

Tienes que rellenar este formulario para abrir una cuenta.

You have to fill out this form to open an account.

He enviado el formulario de contacto por internet.

I have sent the contact form online.

Gender Identification

Since this word ends in '-o', it is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el formulario'.

The 'Fill Out' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'llenar' exclusively for forms.”

Correction: While 'llenar' works, Spanish speakers more naturally use 'rellenar' (to fill in) or 'completar' (to complete) when talking about documents.

forma

for-mahˈfoɾma

nounB1general
Use 'forma' to refer to a document that needs to be completed, often in a more informal context than 'formulario' or 'impreso'.
A collection of simple, brightly colored geometric shapes representing outlines.

Examples

Por favor, rellene esta forma con sus datos personales.

Please, fill out this form with your personal data.

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'.

impreso

eem-PREH-soimˈpɾeso

nounB1formal
Use 'impreso' for a printed document that requires you to provide information, often used in more formal or official settings.
A blank paper document with empty lines and boxes next to a pencil.

Examples

Por favor, rellene este impreso con sus datos personales.

Please, fill out this form with your personal details.

Enviamos el impreso por correo ordinario.

We sent the form by regular mail.

El buzón estaba lleno de impresos publicitarios.

The mailbox was full of advertising leaflets.

Always Masculine

Even though many documents are 'la hoja' (feminine), the word 'impreso' as a noun is always masculine: 'el impreso'.

Impreso vs. Impresora

Mistake: “La impreso no funciona.”

Correction: La impresora no funciona. (An 'impreso' is the paper document; an 'impresora' is the machine that prints it.)

modalidad

mo-dah-lee-DAHDmo.ða.liˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'modalidad' to talk about a specific type, way, or mode of doing something, like a method of work or study.
A chef chopping vegetables with a knife, representing a specific way of working.

Examples

La modalidad de teletrabajo es muy cómoda para mí.

The remote work mode is very convenient for me.

Debes seleccionar una modalidad de pago antes de finalizar.

You must select a payment method before finishing.

Este curso se ofrece en modalidad presencial y virtual.

This course is offered in in-person and virtual formats.

The '-dad' Rule

Words that end in '-dad' in Spanish are almost always feminine. This means you should always use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Feminine Matching

Because 'modalidad' is feminine, any word describing it must also be feminine. For example: 'modalidad nueva' (new mode).

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “el modalidad”

Correction: la modalidad (because words ending in -dad are feminine).

Formulario vs. Forma for Documents

The most common confusion is using 'forma' when you should use 'formulario' or 'impreso' for official documents. While 'forma' can sometimes mean a document, 'formulario' is the most common and safest choice for a fillable form, and 'impreso' is often used for printed official documents.

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