Inklingo

How to Say "formula" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fórmula

nounA2general
Use this for a chemical composition, a set of ingredients, or a specific mathematical rule or equation.

Examples

La fórmula de la velocidad es distancia dividida por tiempo.

The formula for speed is distance divided by time.

ecuación

nounB1mathematics
Choose this when referring specifically to a mathematical equation that needs to be solved.

Examples

Necesito resolver esta ecuación para la clase de matemáticas.

I need to solve this equation for math class.

receta

reh-SEH-tahreˈθeta

nounA1general
Use this for a general method, a set approach, or a list of ingredients for cooking.
A simple white index card resting on a wooden kitchen counter next to a wooden spoon and a bowl filled with colorful chopped vegetables.

Examples

¿Tienes la receta de este delicioso pastel de chocolate?

Do you have the recipe for this delicious chocolate cake?

Mi abuela guarda todas sus recetas en un libro viejo.

My grandmother keeps all her recipes in an old book.

Parece que la receta para el éxito es mucho trabajo y un poco de suerte.

It seems the formula for success is a lot of hard work and a bit of luck.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'receta' is always treated as a feminine word, so you must use 'la receta' or 'una receta'.

expresión

nounA2general
This refers to a symbolic grouping, like a mathematical phrase or an idiomatic expression.

Examples

Esa expresión es muy común en Argentina, pero no en España.

That phrase is very common in Argentina, but not in Spain.

Fórmula vs. Ecuación

Learners often confuse 'fórmula' and 'ecuación' when talking about math. Remember that 'ecuación' is specifically for a problem to be solved, while 'fórmula' can be a general rule or a specific calculation like speed = distance/time.

Related Translations

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