Inklingo

How to Say "line" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “line” is “línea” — use 'línea' for a physical mark or stroke, a queue of people, a transportation route, a telephone/internet/power connection, or a range of products..

líneaA1

Use 'línea' for a physical mark or stroke, a queue of people, a transportation route, a telephone/internet/power connection, or a range of products.

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cola🔊A1

Use 'cola' specifically for a queue or line of people waiting for something.

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fila🔊A1

Use 'fila' as another common word for a queue or line of people.

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raya🔊A1

Use 'raya' for a line drawn or marked on a surface, similar to 'línea' but often less formal or precise.

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víaA2

Use 'vía' when referring to a railway track or line that a train runs on.

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cuerda🔊A1

Use 'cuerda' for a physical rope, which can sometimes function as a boundary line or be used for hanging things.

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hilo🔊B2

Use 'hilo' metaphorically to mean a thread, sequence, or connection in something abstract like a conversation or a story.

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English → Spanish

línea

NounA1General
Use 'línea' for a physical mark or stroke, a queue of people, a transportation route, a telephone/internet/power connection, or a range of products.

Examples

Dibuja una línea recta con la regla.

Draw a straight line with the ruler.

cola

/KOH-lah//ˈko.la/

NounA1General
Use 'cola' specifically for a queue or line of people waiting for something.
Three stylized people standing in a straight line, waiting patiently.

Examples

Había una cola enorme para comprar las entradas del concierto.

There was a huge line to buy the concert tickets.

No me gusta hacer cola en el supermercado.

I don't like waiting in line at the supermarket.

Hay una cola de tres kilómetros en la carretera.

There is a three-kilometer traffic jam on the highway.

Key Verb: Hacer

The most common way to say 'to wait in line' is using the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer cola'.

fila

/FEE-lah//ˈfi.la/

NounA1General
Use 'fila' as another common word for a queue or line of people.
Five brightly colored, stylized people standing one behind the other, forming a clear queue or line.

Examples

Hay una fila muy larga para comprar entradas.

There is a very long line to buy tickets.

Por favor, pónganse en fila antes de entrar al museo.

Please, get in line before entering the museum.

Gender Check

Remember that 'fila' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la fila', 'una fila larga').

Confusing 'Fila' and 'Cola'

Mistake: “Using 'fila' in Spain where 'cola' (meaning tail/queue) is much more common.”

Correction: In Mexico, Central America, and the US, 'fila' is standard for a queue. In Spain, use 'cola' (hacer cola).

raya

/RRAH-yah//ˈra.ʝa/

NounA1General
Use 'raya' for a line drawn or marked on a surface, similar to 'línea' but often less formal or precise.
A thick, straight red line drawn horizontally across a plain white surface.

Examples

Dibuja una raya horizontal en el cuaderno.

Draw a horizontal line in the notebook.

La cebra tiene rayas blancas y negras.

The zebra has white and black stripes.

No cruces la raya roja en el suelo.

Don't cross the red line on the floor.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'raya' ends in 'a', it is feminine, like most Spanish nouns ending in 'a'. Use 'la raya' or 'una raya'.

vía

NounA2General
Use 'vía' when referring to a railway track or line that a train runs on.

Examples

El tren a Sevilla sale de la vía número dos.

The train to Seville leaves from track number two.

cuerda

KWEHR-dah/ˈkweɾða/

NounA1General
Use 'cuerda' for a physical rope, which can sometimes function as a boundary line or be used for hanging things.
A thick brown fibrous rope coiled loosely on a simple background, illustrating material used for tying.

Examples

Atamos el bote al muelle con una cuerda gruesa.

We tied the boat to the dock with a thick rope.

Puso la ropa mojada en la cuerda de tender.

She put the wet clothes on the clothesline.

Gender Reminder

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -a are feminine, remember that cuerda follows this rule consistently: it always uses 'la' (la cuerda).

hilo

EE-loh/ˈilo/

NounB2General
Use 'hilo' metaphorically to mean a thread, sequence, or connection in something abstract like a conversation or a story.
Two friendly characters facing each other and talking, visually connected by a single, continuous, brightly colored thread flowing between them, symbolizing the continuity of their dialogue.

Examples

Perdí el hilo de la conversación cuando sonó mi teléfono.

I lost the thread of the conversation when my phone rang.

El hilo de la novela es muy complicado, con muchos giros.

The plot line of the novel is very complicated, with many twists.

Figurative Use

This meaning is very similar to how English uses 'thread' to describe the continuous line of thought in a discussion or story.

Queue vs. Mark

The most common confusion is between 'cola', 'fila', and 'línea' when referring to people waiting. While 'línea' can be used, 'cola' and 'fila' are more specific and common for queues. Remember 'línea' is also used for physical lines and routes.

Related Translations

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