Inklingo

How to Say "model" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “model” is “modelo” — use 'modelo' when referring to a prototype, design, or version of a product, like a car or phone, or a person who poses for fashion or art.

modelo🔊A1/A2

Use 'modelo' when referring to a prototype, design, or version of a product, like a car or phone, or a person who poses for fashion or art.

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ejemplar🔊B1

Use 'ejemplar' as an adjective to describe someone who is a perfect example or a role model due to their excellent behavior.

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ejemplo🔊B1

Use 'ejemplo' when referring to someone or something that serves as a standard of behavior to be imitated or admired.

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patrónB1

Use 'patrón' when referring to a standard, example, or template to follow, often in a visual or design context.

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espejo🔊B2

Use 'espejo' metaphorically to describe a place or situation that serves as a perfect reflection or example of something larger.

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molde🔊B2

Use 'molde' to refer to a conventional or traditional way of doing things, often implying a lack of originality if someone doesn't fit it.

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paradigma🔊B2

Use 'paradigma' for a theoretical model or a perfect example that represents a standard way of doing things, often in academic or scientific contexts.

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piloto🔊B2

Use 'piloto' as an adjective to describe a preliminary or experimental version of a project, product, or plan before full implementation.

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réplicaA2

Use 'réplica' when referring to an exact copy or scale version of an object, especially in art or historical contexts.

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English → Spanish

modelo

mo-DEH-lohmoˈðelo

nounA1/A2General
Use 'modelo' when referring to a prototype, design, or version of a product, like a car or phone, or a person who poses for fashion or art.
A small, unpainted wooden architectural model of a house prototype sitting on a workbench.

Examples

Este nuevo modelo de coche es más eficiente.

This new model of car is more efficient.

Su ética de trabajo es un modelo para todos nosotros.

His work ethic is a model/example for all of us.

Necesito una copia del modelo de solicitud.

I need a copy of the application form/template.

Mi hermana es modelo de pasarela.

My sister is a runway model.

Always Masculine

When 'modelo' means a prototype or design, it is always a masculine noun: 'el modelo', even if the thing it describes is feminine.

Gender Use

'Modelo' is a noun that refers to a profession, and it keeps its masculine ending (-o). You change the article to match the person's gender: 'el modelo' (male model) and 'la modelo' (female model).

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Usar 'modelo' como adjetivo de calidad (e.g., 'una casa modelo').”

Correction: Use 'ejemplar' or place 'modelo' correctly as a noun modifier: 'una casa que sirve de modelo'.

Creating a Feminine Form

Mistake: “Decir 'la modela' para una mujer.”

Correction: Siempre se dice 'la modelo' (with the 'o' ending) for a woman.

ejemplar

eh-hem-PLARexemˈplaɾ

adjectiveB1General
Use 'ejemplar' as an adjective to describe someone who is a perfect example or a role model due to their excellent behavior.
A child helping an elderly person cross the street with a kind smile.

Examples

Juan es un estudiante ejemplar y siempre ayuda a los demás.

Juan is a model student and always helps others.

Su conducta durante la crisis fue ejemplar.

Her behavior during the crisis was exemplary.

El juez le dio un castigo ejemplar para que nadie repitiera el crimen.

The judge gave him a deterrent punishment so that no one would repeat the crime.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are describing a man or a woman. You say 'un hombre ejemplar' and 'una mujer ejemplar.'

Describing After the Noun

Like most adjectives that describe a quality in Spanish, this word usually goes after the person or thing you are talking about.

The 'a' Mistake

Mistake: “una mujer ejemplara”

Correction: una mujer ejemplar. Words ending in -ar don't change to -a for feminine descriptions.

ejemplo

e-KHEM-ploeˈxemplo

nounB1General
Use 'ejemplo' when referring to someone or something that serves as a standard of behavior to be imitated or admired.
A friendly adult bear is carefully planting a small sapling, while a smaller bear cub stands beside it and mimics the planting action with a tiny shovel, demonstrating a standard of behavior being imitated.

Examples

Mi madre es un ejemplo de honestidad y trabajo.

My mother is a model of honesty and hard work.

Los líderes deben dar el ejemplo con sus acciones.

Leaders must set an example with their actions.

Esa atleta es un ejemplo a seguir para los jóvenes.

That athlete is a role model for young people to follow.

patrón

nounB1General
Use 'patrón' when referring to a standard, example, or template to follow, often in a visual or design context.

Examples

El vestido tiene un patrón floral muy bonito.

The dress has a very beautiful floral pattern.

espejo

es-PEH-hoesˈpe.xo

nounB2General
Use 'espejo' metaphorically to describe a place or situation that serves as a perfect reflection or example of something larger.
The clear, detailed reflection of a small green tree visible in a still puddle of water on the ground.

Examples

Esta ciudad es un espejo de la diversidad cultural del país.

This city is a reflection of the country's cultural diversity.

Su disciplina es un espejo para sus compañeros de equipo.

His discipline is a model for his teammates.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'espejo' means a faithful representation, showing things exactly as they are—like a window into a situation.

molde

MOL-dehˈmolde

nounB2General
Use 'molde' to refer to a conventional or traditional way of doing things, often implying a lack of originality if someone doesn't fit it.
A paper dress pattern laid out on a piece of red fabric.

Examples

Ella no sigue el molde tradicional de su familia.

She doesn't follow her family's traditional pattern.

Ese artista realmente rompió el molde.

That artist really broke the mold.

Sus ideas no encajan en el molde de la sociedad actual.

His ideas don't fit into the mold of today's society.

Abstract use

When using 'molde' figuratively, it behaves exactly like the physical version but describes people's behaviors or societal expectations.

paradigma

pah-rah-DEEG-mahpaɾaˈðiɣma

nounB2Formal
Use 'paradigma' for a theoretical model or a perfect example that represents a standard way of doing things, often in academic or scientific contexts.
A perfect, shiny red apple sitting on a simple wooden pedestal as an ideal example.

Examples

Este proyecto es el paradigma de la eficiencia.

This project is the model of efficiency.

Necesitamos un cambio de paradigma para salvar el planeta.

We need a paradigm shift to save the planet.

Ella rompió el paradigma de su época sobre el papel de la mujer.

She broke the pattern of her time regarding the role of women.

The '-ma' rule

Even though it ends in 'a', this word is masculine. It comes from Greek, just like 'el problema' and 'el sistema'.

Using the Article

Always use 'el' or 'un' with this word: 'un paradigma nuevo', never 'una paradigma'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “La paradigma de la ciencia.”

Correction: El paradigma de la ciencia. Most words ending in -ma that come from Greek are masculine.

piloto

pee-LOH-tohpiˈloto

adjectiveB2General
Use 'piloto' as an adjective to describe a preliminary or experimental version of a project, product, or plan before full implementation.
A miniature, rough wooden prototype model of a complex machine placed on a workbench, symbolizing a test run.

Examples

Vamos a lanzar un proyecto piloto en tres ciudades antes de implementarlo a nivel nacional.

We are going to launch a pilot project in three cities before implementing it nationally.

La clase piloto fue un éxito y ahora se ofrecerá a todos los estudiantes.

The trial class was a success and will now be offered to all students.

Always Single Form

When used as an adjective meaning 'trial' or 'test,' 'piloto' usually remains singular and masculine, even if the noun it describes is plural or feminine (e.g., 'ciudades piloto').

réplica

nounA2General
Use 'réplica' when referring to an exact copy or scale version of an object, especially in art or historical contexts.

Examples

Esta es una réplica exacta del famoso cuadro de Dalí.

This is an exact replica of Dalí's famous painting.

Modelo vs. Ejemplo/Ejemplar

Learners often confuse 'modelo' (prototype/person) with 'ejemplo' or 'ejemplar' (example/role model). Remember that 'modelo' is for things or people posing, while 'ejemplo' and 'ejemplar' refer to someone or something serving as a behavioral standard.

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