Inklingo

How to Say "smooth" in Spanish

English → Spanish

suave

/SWAH-veh//ˈswa.βe/

adjectiveA1/B2general
Use 'suave' when referring to a pleasant texture, like soft skin or fabric, or for a skillful, effortless, and cool action or situation.
A hand gently touching a large, fluffy, white cotton ball, emphasizing softness.

Examples

La seda es una tela muy suave.

Silk is a very soft fabric.

La piel del bebé es increíblemente suave.

The baby's skin is incredibly soft.

Me encanta esta manta, es tan suave.

I love this blanket; it is so soft.

El carpintero pulió la madera hasta dejarla suave.

The carpenter polished the wood until it was smooth.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'suave' ends in 'e,' it is the same for masculine and feminine nouns (el tejido suave, la tela suave). Just add an 's' for plural: 'suaves'.

Temporary vs. Permanent

Use 'ser' (es suave) to describe someone's inherent personality or style. Use 'estar' (está suave) to describe a temporary feeling or a specific object that is currently cool or pleasant.

Confusing 'Suave' and 'Blando'

Mistake: “Usar 'blando' para describir la piel o el pelo.”

Correction: Use 'suave' for things that are pleasant to the touch, like skin, hair, or fabric. 'Blando' usually means something is squishy or easily compressed (like soft fruit).

plano

/plah-noh//ˈplano/

adjectiveA1general
Choose 'plano' when describing something as flat, level, or without bumps, like a surface for building or a flat landscape.
A perfectly smooth, wide green field extending flatly to the horizon under a clear blue sky, emphasizing the level, two-dimensional nature of the surface.

Examples

La mesa tiene una superficie plana.

The table has a flat surface.

Necesitamos una superficie completamente plana para construir la pared.

We need a completely flat surface to build the wall.

La carretera es muy plana aquí; no hay colinas.

The road is very level here; there are no hills.

Gender Agreement

As an adjective, 'plano' must match the noun it describes. Use 'plano' for masculine nouns (el muro plano) and 'plana' for feminine nouns (la tabla plana).

limpio

LIM-pyoh/ˈlimpjo/

adjectiveB2formal/technical
Use 'limpio' specifically for a clean-cut, precise, or unimpeded motion or result, often in contexts like surgery or net calculations.
A small, transparent glass jar holding a neat stack of five shiny gold coins, representing the net amount remaining after deductions.

Examples

El cirujano hizo un corte limpio.

The surgeon made a clean cut.

El salario limpio es lo que recibes después de impuestos.

The net salary is what you receive after taxes.

El cirujano hizo un corte muy limpio.

The surgeon made a very clean (smooth, precise) cut.

Perdí mi cartera y ahora estoy limpio.

I lost my wallet and now I am broke.

Confusing 'suave' and 'plano'

Learners often confuse 'suave' (soft, smooth texture) with 'plano' (flat, level surface). Remember that 'suave' relates to touch and feel, while 'plano' describes the absence of curves or unevenness.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.