Inklingo

How to Say "sphere" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sphere” is “bola” — use 'bola' when referring to a literal, solid, round object, especially one used in games or sports.

bola🔊A1

Use 'bola' when referring to a literal, solid, round object, especially one used in games or sports.

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pelota🔊A1

Use 'pelota' for a round, usually inflatable or hollow object used for playing sports like soccer or tennis.

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globo🔊B1

Use 'globo' for a round, often hollow object, most commonly for a globe representing the Earth or a balloon.

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ámbitoB1

Use 'ámbito' to refer to a social circle, a field of activity, or an area of influence or expertise.

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sector🔊B1

Use 'sector' to describe a specific area of industry, economy, or activity, often with a focus on business or statistics.

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círculoB1

Use 'círculo' to denote a group of people with shared interests or relationships, or an area of influence.

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dominio🔊B1

Use 'dominio' to refer to an area of control, expertise, or a specific website address (domain name).

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English → Spanish

bola

boh-lahˈbo.la

nounA1general
Use 'bola' when referring to a literal, solid, round object, especially one used in games or sports.
A brightly colored, perfectly spherical ball resting on a grassy field.

Examples

El niño lanzó la bola muy alto.

The child threw the ball very high.

Necesitas una bola de cristal para saber el futuro.

You need a crystal ball to know the future.

Gender Check

Remember that 'bola' is always feminine. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

pelota

peh-LOH-tahpeˈlota

nounA1general
Use 'pelota' for a round, usually inflatable or hollow object used for playing sports like soccer or tennis.
A classic black and white soccer ball sits on bright green grass under a clear blue sky.

Examples

Necesitamos una pelota nueva para jugar fútbol.

We need a new ball to play soccer.

El perro persiguió la pelota hasta el parque.

The dog chased the ball all the way to the park.

La niña lanzó la pelota muy alto.

The girl threw the ball very high.

Gender Reminder

Even though many nouns ending in '-a' are feminine, remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before 'pelota'.

Using 'balón' incorrectly

Mistake: “Using 'balón' when referring to a small baseball or tennis ball.”

Correction: Use 'pelota' for smaller, general balls. 'Balón' is reserved for large balls like those used in football (soccer) or basketball.

globo

GLO-bohˈɡloβo

nounB1general
Use 'globo' for a round, often hollow object, most commonly for a globe representing the Earth or a balloon.
A miniature model of the Earth, showing green continents and blue oceans, mounted on a wooden stand.

Examples

El profesor señaló Asia en el globo terráqueo.

The professor pointed to Asia on the terrestrial globe.

Navegaron alrededor del globo durante tres años.

They sailed around the globe (the world) for three years.

El globo ocular es la parte principal del ojo.

The eyeball is the main part of the eye.

Specialized Terminology

When referring to the model of the Earth, Spanish often uses the specific phrase 'globo terráqueo' to clarify the meaning.

ámbito

nounB1general
Use 'ámbito' to refer to a social circle, a field of activity, or an area of influence or expertise.

Examples

Ella es una experta en el ámbito de la medicina.

She is an expert in the field of medicine.

sector

sek-TORsekˈtoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'sector' to describe a specific area of industry, economy, or activity, often with a focus on business or statistics.
A storybook illustration showing three distinct areas of economic activity: a farm field with a red barn, a small factory with smoke stacks, and a modern blue office tower, separated by clear paths.

Examples

El sector turístico se recuperó rápidamente después de la pandemia.

The tourism sector recovered quickly after the pandemic.

Necesitamos más inversión en el sector de energías renovables.

We need more investment in the renewable energy sector.

Ella trabaja en el sector público, para el gobierno.

She works in the public sector, for the government.

Gender Check

Remember that 'sector' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el sector,' 'un sector importante.'

Confusing 'Sector' and 'Sección'

Mistake: “Usar 'sección' cuando se refiere a la economía (e.g., 'la sección industrial').”

Correction: 'Sector' is used for large divisions of the economy or society (e.g., 'el sector industrial'). 'Sección' means a small part or chapter (e.g., 'la sección de noticias').

círculo

nounB1general
Use 'círculo' to denote a group of people with shared interests or relationships, or an area of influence.

Examples

Ella solo confía en su círculo íntimo de amigos.

She only trusts her inner circle of friends.

dominio

doh-MEE-nyohdoˈmi.njo

nounB1general
Use 'dominio' to refer to an area of control, expertise, or a specific website address (domain name).
A brightly colored, simple illustration of a stylized globe connected by flowing light lines, with a large cursor icon pointing precisely to one glowing spot on the globe, representing a digital domain address.

Examples

El dominio de nuestra página web es www.inklingo.com.

The domain of our website is www.inklingo.com.

Esta investigación está fuera de mi dominio de experiencia.

This research is outside my domain (sphere) of expertise.

Literal vs. Figurative Meanings

The most common mistake is confusing the literal, round objects ('bola', 'pelota', 'globo') with figurative areas of influence ('ámbito', 'sector', 'círculo', 'dominio'). Always consider if you're talking about a physical shape or an abstract concept.

Related Translations

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