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, like its roundness or squareness. It can also refer to being in good physical condition or fitness..

forma🔊A1

Use 'forma' for the general physical outline or contour of an object, like its roundness or squareness. It can also refer to being in good physical condition or fitness.

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figura🔊A1

Use 'figura' when talking about a specific geometric shape, an outline, or a figure in a more abstract or artistic sense.

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estado🔊A2

Use 'estado' to describe the general condition or state of something, often implying its functionality or preservation, similar to 'in good shape'.

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condiciónB1

Use 'condición' when referring to the physical health or fitness of a person or the state of an object after damage or wear.

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formaciónB2

Use 'formación' to describe a physical outline or structure, often referring to natural formations like rocks or clouds, or a group of things forming a shape.

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English → Spanish

forma

/for-mah//ˈfoɾma/

nounA1general
Use 'forma' for the general physical outline or contour of an object, like its roundness or squareness. It can also refer to being in good physical condition or 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-rah/fiˈɣuɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'figura' when talking about a specific geometric shape, an outline, or a figure in a more abstract or artistic sense.
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-doh//esˈta.ðo/

nounA2general
Use 'estado' to describe the general condition or state of something, often implying its functionality or preservation, similar to 'in good shape'.
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).

condición

nounB1general
Use 'condición' when referring to the physical health or fitness of a person or the state of an object after damage or wear.

Examples

El coche está en muy mala condición después del accidente.

The car is in very bad condition after the accident.

formación

nounB2general
Use 'formación' to describe a physical outline or structure, often referring to natural formations like rocks or clouds, or a group of things forming a shape.

Examples

Vimos una formación rocosa muy extraña en el desierto.

We saw a very strange rock formation in the desert.

Forma vs. Estado for Condition

Learners often confuse 'forma' and 'estado' when referring to condition. While 'estar en forma' specifically means 'to be in shape' (fitness), 'estar en buen/mal estado' refers to the general condition or state of an object or person's health.

Related Translations

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