How to Say "material" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “material” is “material” — use 'material' when referring to supplies, items, or stuff needed for a task or purpose, like school supplies or building materials..
material
mah-teh-ree-AHL/ma.teˈɾjal/
Examples
Necesito comprar material escolar para el niño.
I need to buy school supplies for the child.
Este material es muy resistente al agua.
This material is very water resistant.
El carpintero tiene todo el material listo para empezar la obra.
The carpenter has all the equipment ready to start the work.
La vida material no es lo más importante.
Material life (physical things) is not the most important thing.
Gender Check
Even though it ends in -al, 'material' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el material' or 'un material'.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'material' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'daño material,' 'vida material'). You only need to make it plural ('materiales') if the noun is plural.
Using 'Materiales' for Everything
Mistake: “¿Tienes el material para el proyecto?”
Correction: When talking about general 'supplies' or 'stuff,' use the singular 'el material.' Use the plural 'los materiales' only if you mean distinct types of materials (e.g., 'madera y metal son materiales').
Confusing 'Material' and 'Important'
Mistake: “Este error es muy material.”
Correction: While 'material' can sometimes mean 'significant' in legal or formal contexts, it usually means 'physical' or 'tangible.' For general importance, use words like 'importante' or 'crucial'.
material
mah-teh-ree-AHL/ma.teˈɾjal/
Examples
La vida material no es lo más importante.
Material life (physical things) is not the most important thing.
Necesito comprar material escolar para el niño.
I need to buy school supplies for the child.
Este material es muy resistente al agua.
This material is very water resistant.
El carpintero tiene todo el material listo para empezar la obra.
The carpenter has all the equipment ready to start the work.
Gender Check
Even though it ends in -al, 'material' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el material' or 'un material'.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'material' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'daño material,' 'vida material'). You only need to make it plural ('materiales') if the noun is plural.
Using 'Materiales' for Everything
Mistake: “¿Tienes el material para el proyecto?”
Correction: When talking about general 'supplies' or 'stuff,' use the singular 'el material.' Use the plural 'los materiales' only if you mean distinct types of materials (e.g., 'madera y metal son materiales').
Confusing 'Material' and 'Important'
Mistake: “Este error es muy material.”
Correction: While 'material' can sometimes mean 'significant' in legal or formal contexts, it usually means 'physical' or 'tangible.' For general importance, use words like 'importante' or 'crucial'.
físico
Examples
El ejercicio físico es importante para la salud.
Physical exercise is important for health.
sustancia
/soos-TAHN-syah//susˈtansja/
Examples
El agua es una sustancia vital para la vida.
Water is a vital substance for life.
Ten cuidado, esa sustancia es pegajosa.
Be careful, that substance is sticky.
Gender and Articles
This is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even though it describes physical matter.
Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “substancia”
Correction: sustancia is the most common modern spelling, though 'substancia' with a 'b' is also technically correct.
tela
TAY-lah/ˈtela/
Examples
Esta chaqueta está hecha de una tela muy suave.
This jacket is made of a very soft fabric.
Necesito un metro de tela roja para el proyecto.
I need one meter of red cloth for the project.
El sofá está tapizado con una tela resistente.
The sofa is upholstered with a resistant material.
Gender Check
Remember that 'tela' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in '-a' (e.g., 'la tela suave').
materiales
/mah-teh-RYAH-lehs//ma.teˈɾja.les/
Examples
Las necesidades materiales de la gente son importantes.
The material (physical) needs of the people are important.
No se enfocan solo en las posesiones materiales; valoran lo espiritual.
They don't focus only on material possessions; they value the spiritual.
Agreement Rule
As an adjective, 'materiales' must agree in number (plural) and gender (masculine or feminine) with the noun it describes. E.g., 'cosas materiales' (feminine plural) or 'bienes materiales' (masculine plural).
Noun vs. Adjective 'Material'
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