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How to Say "parts" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “parts” is “partes” — use 'partes' when referring to general components or sections that make up a larger whole, like pieces of a machine, ingredients in a recipe, or even abstract divisions.

English → Spanish

partes

PAR-tessˈpaɾ.tes

nounA1general
Use 'partes' when referring to general components or sections that make up a larger whole, like pieces of a machine, ingredients in a recipe, or even abstract divisions.
Four brightly colored, distinct geometric puzzle pieces lying scattered on a wooden surface, representing components of a whole.

Examples

El motor tiene muchas partes complejas.

The engine has many complex parts.

El coche necesita partes nuevas.

The car needs new parts.

Me gustan todas las partes de la película.

I like all the parts of the movie.

Ambas partes están de acuerdo con los términos.

Both sides agree with the terms.

Always Feminine

'Partes' comes from the word 'la parte', which is a feminine noun. So, even though it ends in '-es', you should use feminine words like 'las' or 'unas' with it: 'las partes', not 'los partes'.

Party vs. Parts

Mistake: “Voy a dos partes este fin de semana.”

Correction: Voy a dos fiestas este fin de semana. 'Partes' means pieces or sides. For a celebration, always use 'fiesta'.

piezas

pyeh-sasˈpje.sas

nounA1general
Choose 'piezas' specifically for individual components of a machine, an assembly, or something that is put together, often implying it can be replaced or is a distinct unit.
A collection of brightly colored, scattered jigsaw puzzle pieces, representing fragments of a whole.

Examples

Necesito comprar una pieza nueva para la lavadora.

I need to buy a new part for the washing machine.

Faltan dos piezas para terminar el mueble.

Two pieces are missing to finish the furniture.

Compré piezas de repuesto para el coche.

I bought replacement parts for the car.

Feminine Plural Noun

'Piezas' is the plural form of the feminine noun 'pieza', so it always needs feminine plural articles and adjectives (e.g., 'las piezas', 'piezas pequeñas').

Confusing 'piezas' and 'pedazos'

Mistake: “Using 'pedazos' (meaning 'shards' or 'shattered bits') when you mean 'piezas' (meaning 'functional components').”

Correction: Use 'piezas' when referring to functional parts of a whole (like a machine or a kit), and 'pedazos' when referring to something broken or torn.

órganos

OR-gah-nosˈoɾ.ɣa.nos

nounA2general
Use 'órganos' exclusively when referring to the functional parts of a living body, whether human or animal.
A colorful illustration showing simplified, floating representations of internal human organs, specifically a red heart, pink lungs, and a brown liver.

Examples

El corazón es un órgano vital.

The heart is a vital organ.

Necesitamos donar órganos para salvar más vidas.

We need to donate organs to save more lives.

El doctor revisó todos sus órganos internos y están saludables.

The doctor checked all his internal organs and they are healthy.

Masculine Plural

Remember that 'órgano' is always masculine, so you use 'los órganos', not 'las órganos'.

papeles

pah-PEH-lehspaˈpeles

nounB2general
Select 'papeles' when referring to the roles or characters an actor plays in a performance, like in a play or movie.
Two simple theatrical masks, one smiling and one frowning, resting side by side on a wooden stage floor, symbolizing different roles.

Examples

El actor recibió elogios por sus diversos papeles.

The actor received praise for his diverse roles.

Ella interpretó varios papeles en la obra de teatro.

She played several roles in the theater production.

Los padres tienen papeles cruciales en la educación de sus hijos.

Parents have crucial roles in their children's education.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning comes from the idea of the script (written on paper) that defines what a character or person must do.

General Components vs. Specific Roles

Learners often confuse 'partes' and 'papeles'. Remember that 'partes' refers to physical or abstract components of objects or systems, while 'papeles' is exclusively used for acting roles. Don't use 'partes' for characters in a play.

Related Translations

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