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How to Say "sides" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sides” is “partes” — use 'partes' when referring to the different sides involved in a conflict, negotiation, or agreement, or when talking about physical sections of an object..

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partes

/PAR-tess//ˈpaɾ.tes/

nounA1general
Use 'partes' when referring to the different sides involved in a conflict, negotiation, or agreement, or when talking about physical sections of an object.
Four brightly colored, distinct geometric puzzle pieces lying scattered on a wooden surface, representing components of a whole.

Examples

Las dos partes llegaron a un acuerdo.

The two sides reached an agreement.

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'.

caras

KAH-ras/ˈkaɾas/

nounA1general
Use 'caras' to refer to the flat surfaces or faces of an object, like a coin, a box, or even a person's face.
A close-up illustration showing three diverse human faces with different expressions.

Examples

Pon la moneda en la cara correcta.

Put the coin on the correct side.

Las niñas tienen caras muy felices.

The girls have very happy faces.

Tiramos la moneda para ver qué sale, ¿caras o cruces?

We toss the coin to see what comes up, heads or tails?

Me gusta ver las caras de la gente cuando reciben regalos.

I like seeing people's faces when they receive gifts.

Plural Noun

This is the plural form of the feminine noun 'cara' (face/side). In Spanish, nouns must match the number of people or things (one cara, many caras).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Los caras (The faces)”

Correction: Use the feminine article 'las' because 'cara' is a feminine word: 'Las caras'.

aspectos

/ahs-PEHK-tohs//asˈpektos/

nounA2general
Use 'aspectos' to discuss different facets, features, or viewpoints related to a topic, argument, or situation.
A colorful puzzle with pieces of different shapes and colors coming together to form a whole.

Examples

Consideremos todos los aspectos del problema.

Let's consider all sides of the problem.

Hay muchos aspectos positivos en tu trabajo.

There are many positive aspects in your work.

Debemos considerar todos los aspectos del problema.

We must consider all sides of the problem.

Este plan cubre los aspectos más importantes.

This plan covers the most important features.

Gender and Number

Since it ends in -os, it is masculine and plural. Use 'los' or 'unos' with it.

Avoid 'Expects'

Mistake: “Thinking 'aspectos' means 'expectations'.”

Correction: Use 'expectativas' for things you hope for; 'aspectos' is only for parts or features of a thing.

bandas

BAHN-dahs/ˈbandas/

nounB2general
Use 'bandas' when referring to distinct groups, especially opposing teams, factions, or gangs in a competitive or confrontational context.
Two distinct groups of four cartoon characters, one group wearing blue shirts and the other group wearing red shirts, standing across a clear dividing line from each other, indicating opposing sides.

Examples

Las bandas compiten por el control del territorio.

The gangs/sides compete for control of the territory.

Las bandas rivales se enfrentaron en la calle.

The rival gangs faced off in the street.

Ambas bandas en el parlamento buscan un acuerdo.

Both sides in parliament are looking for an agreement.

Referring to People

When 'bandas' refers to groups of people (like gangs or political factions), it maintains its feminine plural form, even if the groups consist only of men.

Confusing 'partes' and 'aspectos'

Learners often confuse 'partes' and 'aspectos'. Remember that 'partes' refers to distinct entities involved in a conflict or agreement, while 'aspectos' refers to different features or viewpoints of a single topic or situation.

Related Translations

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