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How to Say "stratum" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estrato

es-TRA-tohesˈtɾato

nounB2general
Use 'estrato' when referring to a specific social class or a geological layer, particularly in academic or formal discussions.
A slice of a tall cake showing several distinct, colorful horizontal layers of different flavors.

Examples

Esta ley beneficia a los estratos más pobres de la población.

This law benefits the poorest strata of the population.

El arqueólogo encontró restos antiguos en el tercer estrato de la excavación.

The archaeologist found ancient remains in the third layer of the excavation.

Hoy el cielo está cubierto por un estrato gris.

Today the sky is covered by a gray stratus cloud.

Always Masculine

The word 'estrato' is masculine. Even when talking about society ('la sociedad'), you must use masculine markers: 'el estrato' or 'un estrato'.

Describing the layer

In Spanish, we usually put the description (adjective) after the word. For example, 'estrato bajo' (low layer) or 'estrato alto' (high layer).

Estrato vs. Estatus

Mistake: “Using 'estrato' to mean personal prestige.”

Correction: Use 'estrato' for a group or layer of people, and 'estatus' for an individual's social standing or prestige.

capa

KAH-pahˈkapa

nounC1general
Use 'capa' for a more general sense of a layer, whether physical (like in geology) or social (like a social class or group).
An illustration showing a geological cross-section with five distinct horizontal strata (layers of earth and rock), each clearly separated.

Examples

La población se divide en distintas capas sociales.

The population is divided into different social strata (classes).

Los arqueólogos estudiaron las capas de roca para datar el artefacto.

The archaeologists studied the rock layers to date the artifact.

Choosing Between 'Estrato' and 'Capa'

Learners often confuse 'estrato' and 'capa' because both can mean 'layer' or 'stratum.' Remember that 'estrato' is more commonly used for distinct social classes or geological levels in formal contexts, while 'capa' is a more versatile term for any kind of layer.

Related Translations

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