Inklingo

How to Say "lines" in Spanish

English → Spanish

líneas

nounA1/B1general
Use 'líneas' for abstract concepts like drawn marks, boundaries, or connections such as telephone or internet services.

Examples

El artista dibujó finas líneas en el lienzo.

The artist drew fine lines on the canvas.

filas

/FEE-lahs//ˈfilas/

nounA2general
Use 'filas' when referring to people or things arranged in a sequence, typically for waiting.
A row of colorful people standing one behind another in a neat queue.

Examples

Los estudiantes formaron filas para entrar al auditorio.

The students formed lines to enter the auditorium.

Hay largas filas en la entrada del cine.

There are long lines at the movie theater entrance.

Las sillas están organizadas en cinco filas.

The chairs are organized in five rows.

El joven se unió a las filas del ejército.

The young man joined the ranks of the army.

Plurality

This is the plural version of 'fila.' In Spanish, if there is more than one line, you add an 's' to the end.

Fila vs. Cola

Mistake: “Using 'fila' for every line.”

Correction: While 'fila' is understood everywhere, people in Spain often say 'cola' for waiting in line, while Latin Americans prefer 'fila'.

cuerdas

KWEHR-dahs/ˈkweɾðas/

nounA1general
Use 'cuerdas' for physical ropes, like those used for climbing, tying things, or hanging clothes.
A thick, heavy, brown braided rope is neatly coiled on a neutral surface.

Examples

Necesito más cuerdas para tender la ropa.

I need more clotheslines.

Atamos la carga con unas cuerdas muy fuertes.

We tied the load with some very strong ropes.

Las cuerdas de tender la ropa estaban rotas.

The clotheslines were broken.

Gender Reminder

Remember that cuerda is a feminine noun, so its plural form cuerdas always uses feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., las cuerdas, cuerdas largas).

parlamento

/par-lah-MEN-toh//paɾlaˈmento/

nounC1specific (theater/film)
Use 'parlamento' specifically for the spoken lines or dialogue of an actor in a play or film.
An actor on a stage under a spotlight, holding a script and performing with expressive gestures.

Examples

El actor se aprendió su parlamento de memoria.

The actor memorized his lines.

El actor olvidó su parlamento en el segundo acto.

The actor forgot his lines in the second act.

Theatrical Use

In this context, it refers to a specific piece of text that one character says without being interrupted.

Don't use for chatting

Mistake: “Saying 'mi parlamento con mi amigo'.”

Correction: Use 'plática' or 'conversación' for everyday talks. 'Parlamento' is for formal or staged speeches.

Confusing 'líneas' with physical objects

Learners often use 'líneas' for physical ropes or strings, when 'cuerdas' is the correct term. Remember, 'líneas' is generally for abstract concepts, drawings, or connections, while 'cuerdas' refers to tangible rope-like objects.

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