Inklingo

How to Say "formula" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fórmula

nounA2general
Use 'fórmula' when referring to a specific set of ingredients or a recipe, especially in a culinary or chemical context.

Examples

Necesito la fórmula química para este experimento.

I need the chemical formula for this experiment.

fórmula

nounB1general
Use 'fórmula' for a mathematical rule, equation, or a general principle or method.

Examples

La fórmula de la velocidad es distancia dividida por tiempo.

The formula for speed is distance divided by time.

receta

/reh-SEH-tah//reˈθeta/

nounA1general
Use 'receta' specifically for a recipe of food or drink, or a method for achieving something.
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
Use 'expresión' for a symbolic grouping, a phrase, or a way of expressing something, particularly in mathematics or language.

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. Receta

The most common confusion is between 'fórmula' and 'receta'. While both can mean recipe, 'receta' is almost exclusively used for food and drink. 'Fórmula' is broader and includes chemical compositions and mathematical rules.

Related Translations

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