Inklingo

How to Say "structure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forstructureis estructurause 'estructura' when referring to the physical framework or the general organization of something, like a building's skeleton or a company's hierarchy.

estructura🔊A2

Use 'estructura' when referring to the physical framework or the general organization of something, like a building's skeleton or a company's hierarchy.

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construcciónA2

Use 'construcción' primarily for the physical act or result of building something, like a bridge or a building, or for the way a sentence is put together grammatically.

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organizaciónA2

Choose 'organización' when you mean the way things are arranged or managed, focusing on order, planning, and efficiency.

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composiciónB1

Use 'composición' to describe the way the parts of something are put together, especially in chemistry, art, or music.

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textura🔊B1

Employ 'textura' when referring to the way elements are arranged in music, literature, or the physical feel of something like food or fabric.

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arquitectura🔊B2

Use 'arquitectura' for the internal design, organization, and framework of complex systems, especially software or abstract conceptual designs.

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formato🔊B2

Opt for 'formato' when describing the way an event, presentation, or media program is organized or presented.

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continente🔊B2

Use 'continente' specifically in insurance contexts to refer to the physical building or structure being insured, as opposed to its contents.

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fábricaB2

While often meaning 'factory', 'fábrica' can sometimes refer to the construction or built entity itself, particularly in historical or grand projects.

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configuraciónC1

Use 'configuración' to describe how something is built, arranged, or set up, often implying a deliberate arrangement or a specific state.

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English → Spanish

estructura

ess-troo-KTOO-rahes.tɾukˈtu.ɾa

nounA2general
Use 'estructura' when referring to the physical framework or the general organization of something, like a building's skeleton or a company's hierarchy.
A simple illustration showing the exposed steel beams and support columns forming the skeletal framework of a large building under construction.

Examples

La estructura de la casa es de metal y hormigón.

The structure of the house is made of metal and concrete.

Necesitamos simplificar la estructura de la empresa para ser más eficientes.

We need to simplify the company's structure to be more efficient.

construcción

nounA2general
Use 'construcción' primarily for the physical act or result of building something, like a bridge or a building, or for the way a sentence is put together grammatically.

Examples

La construcción de este rascacielos duró tres años.

The construction of this skyscraper lasted three years.

organización

nounA2general
Choose 'organización' when you mean the way things are arranged or managed, focusing on order, planning, and efficiency.

Examples

Necesitas más organización para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

You need more organization to finish the project on time.

composición

nounB1general
Use 'composición' to describe the way the parts of something are put together, especially in chemistry, art, or music.

Examples

La composición química del agua es H2O.

The chemical composition of water is H2O.

textura

teks-TOO-rahteksˈtuɾa

nounB1general
Employ 'textura' when referring to the way elements are arranged in music, literature, or the physical feel of something like food or fabric.
A wooden spoon lifting thick, creamy honey from a jar, showing its viscous flow.

Examples

La salsa tiene una textura muy cremosa.

The sauce has a very creamy consistency.

Este vino tinto tiene una textura sedosa en la boca.

This red wine has a silky feel in the mouth.

La textura musical de esta obra es muy compleja.

The musical texture of this work is very complex.

Using 'de'

To describe what something is made of or its specific feel, you can use 'textura de' followed by a noun, like 'textura de seda' (silk-like texture).

Confusing with 'Context'

Mistake:La textura de la situación es difícil.

Correction: El contexto de la situación es difícil. Use 'contexto' for situations; 'textura' is for physical or structural things.

arquitectura

ar-kee-tek-TOO-raharkitekˈtuɾa

nounB2technical
Use 'arquitectura' for the internal design, organization, and framework of complex systems, especially software or abstract conceptual designs.
A high-quality colorful storybook illustration of a complex wooden bridge with interlocking beams.

Examples

La arquitectura de este software permite procesar datos rápidamente.

The architecture of this software allows for fast data processing.

Necesitamos definir la arquitectura de la red antes de empezar.

We need to define the network architecture before starting.

El libro analiza la arquitectura interna del cerebro humano.

The book analyzes the internal architecture of the human brain.

Abstract Use

You can use this word for anything with a complex design, even if it is not a physical building.

formato

for-MAH-tohfoɾˈmato

nounB2general
Opt for 'formato' when describing the way an event, presentation, or media program is organized or presented.
A colorful stage set with a talk show desk and two comfortable chairs under bright lights.

Examples

El formato del programa de televisión ha cambiado mucho este año.

The TV show's format has changed a lot this year.

El debate tendrá un formato de preguntas y respuestas.

The debate will have a Q&A format.

Buscamos un formato más dinámico para la reunión.

We are looking for a more dynamic format for the meeting.

Abstract Format

In this context, 'formato' refers to the 'template' or 'rules' of a show or event, not something you can touch.

continente

kon-tee-NEN-tehkontiˈnente

nounB2specialized
Use 'continente' specifically in insurance contexts to refer to the physical building or structure being insured, as opposed to its contents.
A simple wooden crate with a lid, standing alone on a plain background.

Examples

El seguro de hogar cubre el continente y el contenido.

The home insurance covers the structure (building) and the contents.

El continente de la botella es de vidrio reciclado.

The container of the bottle is made of recycled glass.

Technical Usage

In insurance, 'continente' is the 'box' (the house itself) and 'contenido' is what's inside the box.

fábrica

nounB2literary
While often meaning 'factory', 'fábrica' can sometimes refer to the construction or built entity itself, particularly in historical or grand projects.

Examples

La fábrica de la catedral duró más de dos siglos.

The construction of the cathedral lasted more than two centuries.

configuración

nounC1general
Use 'configuración' to describe how something is built, arranged, or set up, often implying a deliberate arrangement or a specific state.

Examples

La configuración de las estrellas permitía la navegación.

The arrangement of the stars allowed for navigation.

Estructura vs. Construcción

The most common confusion is between 'estructura' and 'construcción'. Remember that 'estructura' refers to the underlying framework or organization (what it's made of or how it's arranged), while 'construcción' refers more to the process or the finished physical object that has been built.

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