Inklingo

How to Say "rod" in Spanish

English → Spanish

barra

BAH-rrah (Roll the 'rr' sound strongly)ˈba.rra

nounA2general
Use 'barra' for a long, solid piece of material, especially metal, often implying strength or utility, like a crowbar or a metal bar.
A close-up view of a single, straight, polished metal rod.

Examples

El ladrón usó una barra de hierro para abrir la caja fuerte.

The thief used an iron bar to open the safe.

Compramos una barra de pan integral.

We bought a loaf of whole wheat bread. (A long, stick-like loaf)

Metaphorical Extension

The word 'barra' is used for anything long, straight, and solid, including a loaf of bread ('barra de pan') or a stick of makeup ('barra de labios').

vara

bah-rahˈba.ɾa

nounA2general
Use 'vara' for a long, thin, straight piece, typically made of wood or metal, often implying a tool for guidance or measurement, like a shepherd's crook or a measuring stick.
A smooth, straight wooden rod leaning against a stone wall.

Examples

El pastor dirige a sus ovejas con una vara de madera.

The shepherd guides his sheep with a wooden rod.

El mago agitó su vara mágica y desapareció el conejo.

The magician waved his magic wand and the rabbit disappeared.

Usamos una vara larga para alcanzar los mangos del árbol.

We used a long pole to reach the mangoes on the tree.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'a', it's worth remembering that it always uses 'la' or 'una'. Never 'el' or 'un'.

Pluralization

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to get 'varas'.

Vara vs. Valla

Mistake: “Me salté la vara.”

Correction: Me salté la valla.

Barra vs. Vara

Learners often confuse 'barra' and 'vara' because both can mean a long stick. Remember that 'barra' usually implies a more solid, often metallic, implement used for force or structure, while 'vara' is more general and can refer to a lighter stick used for guidance or measurement.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.