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How to Say "sides" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sides” is “lados” — use 'lados' when referring to the physical edges or surfaces of an object, or for different points of view in a discussion or argument.

English → Spanish

lados

lah-dohsˈlaðos

nounA1general
Use 'lados' when referring to the physical edges or surfaces of an object, or for different points of view in a discussion or argument.
A bright blue cube resting on a flat white surface, clearly showing its distinct physical edges and surfaces.

Examples

Los cuatro lados de la caja deben ser sellados.

The four sides of the box must be sealed.

Me duele la espalda y los lados del cuerpo.

My back and the sides of my body hurt.

Puso el libro con los lados hacia arriba.

He placed the book with the sides facing up.

Los dos lados de la discusión no pueden llegar a un acuerdo.

The two sides of the discussion cannot reach an agreement.

Masculine Plural

Since the singular form is 'el lado' (masculine), the plural 'lados' always uses the masculine article 'los'.

Figurative Use

'Lados' is often used figuratively to mean 'viewpoints' or 'groups' when discussing disagreements, much like 'sides' in English.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La lados (using the feminine article).”

Correction: Use the masculine article: Los lados. Think of it as 'The sides (male).'

partes

PAR-tessˈpaɾ.tes

nounA1general
Use 'partes' when referring to the participants in a conflict, agreement, or dispute, or for components of something like a car.
Four brightly colored, distinct geometric puzzle pieces lying scattered on a wooden surface, representing components of a whole.

Examples

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-rasˈkaɾas

nounA1general
Use 'caras' when referring to the faces of people or the sides of a coin or a flat object.
A close-up illustration showing three diverse human faces with different expressions.

Examples

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-tohsasˈpektos

nounA2general
Use 'aspectos' to discuss different angles, features, or positive/negative elements of a situation, idea, or argument.
A colorful puzzle with pieces of different shapes and colors coming together to form a whole.

Examples

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-dahsˈbandas

nounB2informal
Use 'bandas' to refer to opposing groups, teams, or gangs, especially in a context of rivalry or conflict.
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 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.

Lados vs. Aspectos

The most common mistake is confusing 'lados' (physical sides or viewpoints) with 'aspectos' (features or angles of a topic). Remember, 'lados' is more concrete for edges or direct opposing views, while 'aspectos' is for broader characteristics or facets of something.

Related Translations

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