Inklingo

How to Say "pattern" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pattern” is “patrón” — use 'patrón' when referring to a visual design that repeats, like on fabric, or a repeatable sequence of events or actions.

patrónB1

Use 'patrón' when referring to a visual design that repeats, like on fabric, or a repeatable sequence of events or actions.

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diseñoA2

Choose 'diseño' when talking about a decorative plan or a specific aesthetic arrangement, like in art or architecture.

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modelo🔊A2

Use 'modelo' when referring to an example that others should follow or imitate, especially for products or styles.

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pauta🔊B1

Select 'pauta' for a guideline, rule, or regular procedure that should be followed, especially in instructions or advice.

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plantilla🔊A2

Use 'plantilla' specifically for a template used in sewing, manufacturing, or for creating documents like resumes.

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esquema🔊B2

Choose 'esquema' when referring to a conceptual framework, a plan, or a way things are organized or recur, often breaking established expectations.

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molde🔊B2

Use 'molde' to describe a conventional way of behaving or a standard that is followed, often implying conformity.

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estructura🔊B2

Select 'estructura' when discussing the underlying arrangement or organization of something, like in grammar or building.

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síndromeB2

Use 'síndrome' only when referring to a specific set of recurring negative behaviors or characteristics, often in a psychological context.

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paradigma🔊C2

Choose 'paradigma' in academic or linguistic contexts to refer to a model or set of forms, like the conjugation of verbs.

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English → Spanish

patrón

nounB1general
Use 'patrón' when referring to a visual design that repeats, like on fabric, or a repeatable sequence of events or actions.

Examples

El vestido tiene un patrón floral muy bonito.

The dress has a very beautiful floral pattern.

diseño

nounA2general
Choose 'diseño' when talking about a decorative plan or a specific aesthetic arrangement, like in art or architecture.

Examples

El diseño de la casa es muy moderno.

The design of the house is very modern.

modelo

mo-DEH-lohmoˈðelo

nounA2general
Use 'modelo' when referring to an example that others should follow or imitate, especially for products or styles.
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.

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.

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'.

pauta

POW-tahˈpaw.ta

nounB1general
Select 'pauta' for a guideline, rule, or regular procedure that should be followed, especially in instructions or advice.
A hiker following a well-marked wooden signpost on a forest trail.

Examples

El médico me dio una pauta para tomar la medicina.

The doctor gave me a guideline for taking the medicine.

Las pautas de comportamiento han cambiado mucho en esta década.

Behavioral patterns have changed a lot in this decade.

Esta empresa siempre marca la pauta en el sector tecnológico.

This company always sets the standard in the tech sector.

Often Plural

When talking about general rules or instructions, we usually use the plural form 'pautas'.

Used with 'dar' or 'seguir'

You commonly 'give' (dar) or 'follow' (seguir) a 'pauta', similar to how you follow a recipe or a schedule.

Pauta vs. Regla

Mistake: “Using 'regla' for a doctor's suggestion.”

Correction: Use 'pauta' for flexible guidelines or schedules, and 'regla' for strict, unbreakable laws.

plantilla

plan-TEE-yahplanˈtiʝa

nounA2general
Use 'plantilla' specifically for a template used in sewing, manufacturing, or for creating documents like resumes.
A colorful digital document layout with empty boxes for photos and lines for text, shown on a simple tablet screen.

Examples

He descargado una plantilla para mi currículum.

I have downloaded a template for my CV.

Puedes usar esta plantilla de Excel para tus gastos.

You can use this Excel template for your expenses.

Dibujamos las letras usando una plantilla de cartón.

We drew the letters using a cardboard stencil.

Always Feminine

Even when used in technical or sports contexts, it's always a feminine word. Use 'la' or 'una'.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to make 'plantillas'.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Using 'témpano' or 'témpera' for template.”

Correction: Use 'plantilla'. In Spanish, 'témpano' is an iceberg and 'témpera' is a type of paint.

esquema

es-KE-maesˈkema

nounB2general
Choose 'esquema' when referring to a conceptual framework, a plan, or a way things are organized or recur, often breaking established expectations.
The wooden frame of a simple house under construction, showing the basic framework.

Examples

Esa noticia rompió todos mis esquemas.

That news broke all my preconceived ideas.

El esquema de trabajo ha cambiado este año.

The work pattern has changed this year.

Debemos salir del esquema tradicional.

We must step outside the traditional framework.

Abstract Use

When used in the plural ('esquemas'), it often refers to a person's mental habits or society's established ways of doing things.

Confusing with 'Resumen'

Mistake: “El esquema de la película fue bueno.”

Correction: El resumen de la película fue bueno. Use 'resumen' for a story summary and 'esquema' for a structured plan or logical framework.

molde

MOL-dehˈmolde

nounB2general
Use 'molde' to describe a conventional way of behaving or a standard that is followed, often implying conformity.
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.

estructura

ess-troo-KTOO-rahes.tɾukˈtu.ɾa

nounB2general
Select 'estructura' when discussing the underlying arrangement or organization of something, like in grammar or building.
A simple illustration showing three colorful, interlocking gears of varying sizes, arranged to show a functional, organized system.

Examples

El lingüista analizó la estructura sintáctica de la frase.

The linguist analyzed the syntactic framework of the sentence.

La estructura narrativa de la película era muy innovadora.

The narrative structure of the film was very innovative.

Conceptual Use

When talking about how ideas or language rules fit together, 'estructura' refers to the underlying rules or arrangement, not just the surface appearance.

síndrome

nounB2technical
Use 'síndrome' only when referring to a specific set of recurring negative behaviors or characteristics, often in a psychological context.

Examples

Ella sufre del síndrome del impostor y no cree en su propio talento.

She suffers from imposter syndrome and doesn't believe in her own talent.

paradigma

pah-rah-DEEG-mahpaɾaˈðiɣma

nounC2academic
Choose 'paradigma' in academic or linguistic contexts to refer to a model or set of forms, like the conjugation of verbs.
A collection of colorful clay pots in various shapes and sizes, showing a set of related forms.

Examples

El paradigma de los verbos en -ar es muy regular.

The pattern for -ar verbs is very regular.

Debes aprender el paradigma completo del verbo 'ser'.

You must learn the complete set of forms for the verb 'ser'.

What it means in grammar

In a grammar class, a paradigm is just a list showing how a word changes (like 'hablo, hablas, habla...').

Patrón vs. Diseño

The most common confusion is between 'patrón' and 'diseño'. Remember that 'patrón' often implies repetition or a sequence (like a floral pattern or a behavioral pattern), while 'diseño' refers more to the aesthetic plan or artistic creation itself (like a house design).

Related Translations

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