Inklingo

How to Say "shape" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “shape” is “forma” — use 'forma' for the general physical outline or contour of an object, or for physical condition/fitness.

forma🔊A1/B1

Use 'forma' for the general physical outline or contour of an object, or for physical condition/fitness.

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figura🔊A1

Use 'figura' when referring to a distinct outline, form, or geometric shape.

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estado🔊A2

Use 'estado' to describe the condition or state of something, often related to its upkeep or functionality.

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silueta🔊B1

Use 'silueta' to describe the general outline of a body or figure, especially as seen against a lighter background.

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formaciónB2

Use 'formación' for a specific physical outline or structure, often naturally occurring like a rock formation.

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condiciónB1

Use 'condición' specifically for the physical state or health of a person or a thing, similar to 'estado' but often implying a more critical or nuanced situation.

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geometríaB2

Use 'geometría' when discussing the specific geometric configuration or layout of an object, especially concerning its design or function.

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bulto🔊C1

Use 'bulto' for an indistinct or vague shape, especially one seen in low light or from a distance.

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English → Spanish

forma

for-mahˈfoɾma

nounA1/B1general
Use 'forma' for the general physical outline or contour of an object, or for physical condition/fitness.
A collection of simple, brightly colored geometric shapes representing outlines.

Examples

La mesa tiene forma redonda.

The table has a round shape.

Me gusta la forma de esa botella.

I like the shape of that bottle.

El escultor dio forma a la arcilla.

The sculptor gave form to the clay.

Voy al gimnasio para estar en forma.

I go to the gym to be in shape.

Feminine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in '-a' in English, 'forma' is a feminine word in Spanish. Always use 'la forma' or 'una forma'.

figura

fee-GOO-rahfiˈɣuɾa

nounA1general
Use 'figura' when referring to a distinct outline, form, or geometric shape.
A bright red triangle resting on a flat surface, illustrating a basic geometric outline.

Examples

El cuadrado es una figura geométrica simple.

The square is a simple geometric figure (shape).

Dibujó la figura de un corazón en la arena.

He drew the shape of a heart in the sand.

Mira qué figuras tan bonitas hacen las nubes.

Look what beautiful shapes the clouds are making.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'figura' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, which is common in Spanish. Remember to use 'la figura' or 'una figura'.

estado

es-TAH-dohesˈta.ðo

nounA2general
Use 'estado' to describe the condition or state of something, often related to its upkeep or functionality.
A shiny new bicycle next to an old, rusty bicycle with a flat tire, showing two different conditions.

Examples

El coche está en muy buen estado.

The car is in very good condition.

Mi estado de ánimo cambia con el clima.

My state of mind (mood) changes with the weather.

¿Cuál es tu estado civil, soltero o casado?

What is your marital status, single or married?

Always Masculine

Even when you're talking about something that is a feminine word (like 'la casa'), its condition is 'el estado'. For example: 'el estado de la casa' (the state of the house).

silueta

see-loo-EH-tahsiˈlweta

nounB1general
Use 'silueta' to describe the general outline of a body or figure, especially as seen against a lighter background.
A simple drawing of a person's athletic body shape standing in a neutral pose.

Examples

Ella hace mucho deporte para mantener su silueta.

She does a lot of sports to maintain her figure.

Este vestido favorece mucho tu silueta.

This dress is very flattering for your figure.

El ejercicio regular ayuda a tonificar la silueta.

Regular exercise helps to tone the physique.

Body Descriptions

In Spanish, we use 'su silueta' to talk about 'his' or 'her' figure. The word itself doesn't change based on who you are talking about.

Confusion with 'Silueta'

Mistake: “Thinking 'silueta' only means a shadow.”

Correction: Remember that in a fashion or health context, it almost always refers to a person's physical body shape.

formación

nounB2general
Use 'formación' for a specific physical outline or structure, often naturally occurring like a rock formation.

Examples

Vimos una formación rocosa muy extraña en el desierto.

We saw a very strange rock formation in the desert.

condición

nounB1general
Use 'condición' specifically for the physical state or health of a person or a thing, similar to 'estado' but often implying a more critical or nuanced situation.

Examples

El coche está en muy mala condición después del accidente.

The car is in very bad condition after the accident.

geometría

nounB2technical
Use 'geometría' when discussing the specific geometric configuration or layout of an object, especially concerning its design or function.

Examples

La geometría de la bicicleta permite una mejor aerodinámica.

The geometry of the bicycle allows for better aerodynamics.

bulto

BOOL-tohˈbulto

nounC1general
Use 'bulto' for an indistinct or vague shape, especially one seen in low light or from a distance.
A dark, blurry silhouette of a person standing in a foggy forest.

Examples

Vi un bulto moviéndose en la oscuridad del jardín.

I saw a shape moving in the darkness of the garden.

A lo lejos, solo se distinguía un bulto negro.

In the distance, only a black silhouette could be seen.

Entre la niebla apareció el bulto de un edificio.

The shape of a building appeared through the fog.

Abstract Usage

This word describes things you can see but can't quite identify yet because of distance or light.

Forma vs. Estado vs. Condición

Learners often confuse 'forma', 'estado', and 'condición' when talking about the condition of something. Use 'forma' for general physical shape or fitness ('estar en forma'), 'estado' for the general state or condition of an object ('en buen estado'), and 'condición' for a more specific or critical state, often relating to health or performance ('en mala condición').

Related Translations

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