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How to Say "stripe" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stripe” is “raya” — use 'raya' for a simple, long line or band of color, often drawn or painted, like a line on paper or a stripe on a road.

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raya

RRAH-yahˈra.ʝa

nounA1general
Use 'raya' for a simple, long line or band of color, often drawn or painted, like a line on paper or a stripe on a road.
A thick, straight red line drawn horizontally across a plain white surface.

Examples

Dibuja una raya horizontal en el cuaderno.

Draw a horizontal stripe in the notebook.

La cebra tiene rayas blancas y negras.

The zebra has white and black stripes.

No cruces la raya roja en el suelo.

Don't cross the red line on the floor.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'raya' ends in 'a', it is feminine, like most Spanish nouns ending in 'a'. Use 'la raya' or 'una raya'.

franja

FRAN-hahˈfɾanxa

nounA2general
Choose 'franja' when referring to a distinct, long band of color, especially as part of a larger design like a flag or a colored section on clothing.
A long, bright yellow strip of fabric lying across a plain green surface.

Examples

La bandera de España tiene una franja amarilla en el centro.

The flag of Spain has a yellow stripe in the center.

Hay una franja de arena blanca cerca del mar.

There is a strip of white sand near the sea.

Necesitamos pintar una franja roja en la pared para decorar.

We need to paint a red stripe on the wall to decorate.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if the person or thing it describes isn't feminine.

Franja vs. Raya

A 'franja' is usually wider and more substantial than a 'raya' (which is more like a thin line).

Gender confusion

Mistake: “Me gusta el franja azul.”

Correction: Me gusta la franja azul. Because the word ends in 'a' and is feminine, you must use 'la'.

banda

BAHN-dahˈbanda

nounB2general
Use 'banda' for a stripe that functions as a band or sash, often worn across the body or as a distinct decorative or symbolic element on an item.
A stylized drawing of a ceremonial red ribbon worn diagonally across a white shirt.

Examples

El uniforme llevaba una banda roja cruzada sobre el pecho.

The uniform had a red sash crossed over the chest.

Colocaron una banda en el coche del ganador del rally.

They put a ribbon (or 'strip') on the rally winner's car.

lista

lees-tah'lista

nounA1general
Use 'lista' specifically for a striped pattern on fabric or textiles, like the pattern on a shirt or a tablecloth.
A piece of paper with a hand-drawn list of groceries, including icons for an apple and milk, representing a shopping list.

Examples

Me gusta esta camisa con lista azul.

I like this shirt with blue stripes.

Hice una lista de la compra.

I made a shopping list.

Tu nombre no está en la lista de invitados.

Your name isn't on the guest list.

El profesor va a pasar lista ahora.

The teacher is going to take attendance now.

Always Feminine: 'la lista'

When 'lista' means a list, it's a feminine noun. That means you'll always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la lista' (the list) or 'una lista' (a list).

Distinguishing between 'raya' and 'franja'

Learners often confuse 'raya' and 'franja' because both can mean a long band of color. Remember that 'raya' is more general, like a line you draw, while 'franja' usually refers to a more defined, often intentional, colored section within a larger design, such as on a flag.

Related Translations

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