Inklingo

How to Say "style" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “style” is “estilo” — use this for a person's general manner, way of doing something, or the characteristic way something is done, like an artist's technique or a personal fashion sense.

estilo🔊A2

Use this for a person's general manner, way of doing something, or the characteristic way something is done, like an artist's technique or a personal fashion sense.

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moda🔊A1

This refers to current trends in clothing, appearance, or general aesthetic that are popular at a particular time.

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gusto🔊B1

Use this when referring to someone's personal taste or preference in how things are done, especially concerning aesthetics like decoration or fashion.

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elegancia🔊B1

This describes a quality of being graceful, sophisticated, and refined in appearance or manner.

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géneroB1

This refers to a specific category or type within art, music, literature, or film.

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lenguaje🔊B1

This translates to 'language' but can also refer to the style of speaking or the non-verbal communication, like body language.

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líneaB2

Use this to refer to a specific range or collection of products, or a particular approach or direction, such as a line of thought or policy.

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clase🔊B2

While it means 'class' (social or educational), it can also imply a sense of elegance, sophistication, or high social standing.

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corte🔊B1

This specifically refers to the cut or style of clothing, like a particular tailoring or silhouette.

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English → Spanish

estilo

es-TEE-lohesˈtilo

nounA2general
Use this for a person's general manner, way of doing something, or the characteristic way something is done, like an artist's technique or a personal fashion sense.
A child carefully stacks colorful wooden blocks in a precise, straight manner, illustrating a specific style or method of building.

Examples

Me gusta el estilo de ese pintor, es muy moderno.

I like the style of that painter; it is very modern.

Ella tiene un estilo de vida muy saludable.

She has a very healthy lifestyle (style of life).

Necesitas cambiar tu estilo de escritura si quieres publicar el libro.

You need to change your writing style if you want to publish the book.

Always Masculine

Remember that 'estilo' is a masculine noun, so you always use the masculine word for 'the' ('el estilo') and make adjectives agree ('un estilo moderno').

Confusing 'Estilo' and 'Moda'

Mistake: “Usando la moda personal (Using 'moda' for personal style).”

Correction: 'Estilo' refers to your characteristic way of doing things or dressing; 'moda' specifically means a current trend or fashion that will eventually pass.

moda

moh-dahˈmoða

nounA1general
This refers to current trends in clothing, appearance, or general aesthetic that are popular at a particular time.
A drawing of a smiling figure wearing a brightly patterned, oversized coat and matching hat, illustrating a style of dress.

Examples

Mi hermana estudia diseño de moda en Milán.

My sister studies fashion design in Milan.

La moda de los años 80 era muy colorida.

The fashion of the 80s was very colorful.

Ella siempre está al tanto de la última moda.

She is always up to date with the latest fashion.

Gender Check

Remember that 'moda' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Esto es en moda.”

Correction: Esto está de moda. (The correct way to say something is trendy uses 'de'.)

gusto

goos-toh'gus.to

nounB1general
Use this when referring to someone's personal taste or preference in how things are done, especially concerning aesthetics like decoration or fashion.
A stylized figure considering two distinct design choices, selecting the elegant and well-proportioned option, symbolizing good taste.

Examples

Mi hermana tiene muy buen gusto para la decoración.

My sister has very good taste in decoration.

Hay libros para todos los gustos.

There are books for all tastes.

Ese tipo de película no es de mi gusto.

That type of movie is not to my taste.

elegancia

eh-leh-gahn-syaheleˈɣansja

nounB1general
This describes a quality of being graceful, sophisticated, and refined in appearance or manner.
A swan swimming gracefully on a calm, deep blue pond.

Examples

Ella camina con una elegancia natural.

She walks with a natural elegance.

La elegancia no consiste solo en usar ropa cara.

Elegance isn't just about wearing expensive clothes.

El restaurante destaca por su decoración y elegancia.

The restaurant stands out for its decoration and elegance.

Always Feminine

The word 'elegancia' is always a feminine word. You must use feminine words with it, like 'la elegancia' or 'mucha elegancia,' even if you are talking about a man's style.

Using 'Con' for Descriptions

To describe how someone does something gracefully, use the pattern 'con' + 'elegancia'. For example: 'Se mueve con elegancia' (He/She moves with elegance).

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Él es muy elegancia.”

Correction: Él es muy elegante (adjective) or Él tiene mucha elegancia (noun). Use 'elegante' to describe a person directly, and 'elegancia' to talk about the quality they possess.

género

nounB1general
This refers to a specific category or type within art, music, literature, or film.

Examples

La ciencia ficción es mi género cinematográfico preferido.

Science fiction is my favorite movie genre.

lenguaje

len-GWA-hehleŋˈɡwa.xe

nounB1general
This translates to 'language' but can also refer to the style of speaking or the non-verbal communication, like body language.
A formally dressed character speaking, with their abstract speech represented by graceful, swirling blue ribbons.

Examples

Su lenguaje corporal indicaba que estaba nervioso.

His body language indicated he was nervous.

El informe usa un lenguaje demasiado técnico para el público general.

The report uses language that is too technical for the general public.

Ella siempre usa un lenguaje muy educado y formal.

She always uses very polite and formal language.

Describing the Style

When using 'lenguaje' this way, you almost always follow it with an adjective (like 'formal', 'vulgar', 'técnico') or a prepositional phrase ('lenguaje de la calle' - street language).

línea

nounB2general
Use this to refer to a specific range or collection of products, or a particular approach or direction, such as a line of thought or policy.

Examples

La marca lanzó una nueva línea de productos para el cuidado de la piel.

The brand launched a new line of skin care products.

clase

KLAH-sehˈklase

nounB2general
While it means 'class' (social or educational), it can also imply a sense of elegance, sophistication, or high social standing.
A very elegantly dressed person wearing a perfectly tailored suit and sophisticated scarf, standing confidently with excellent posture, symbolizing high quality and class.

Examples

La película explora las diferencias entre la clase alta y la clase trabajadora.

The movie explores the differences between the upper class and the working class.

Es una mujer con mucha clase y elegancia.

She is a woman with a lot of class and elegance.

Nos alojamos en un hotel de primera clase.

We are staying in a first-class hotel.

corte

KOR-tehˈkoɾ.te

nounB1general
This specifically refers to the cut or style of clothing, like a particular tailoring or silhouette.
A close-up view of a human index finger with a small, clean red cut across the skin, illustrating a physical injury.

Examples

Me hice un corte en el dedo con un papel.

I got a paper cut on my finger.

Necesito un corte de pelo nuevo.

I need a new haircut.

Hubo un corte de luz en todo el barrio.

There was a power outage in the whole neighborhood.

Estilo vs. Moda vs. Gusto

Learners often confuse 'estilo,' 'moda,' and 'gusto.' Remember that 'estilo' is about a general way of doing things or a personal characteristic, 'moda' refers to current trends, and 'gusto' is about personal preference or taste.

Related Translations

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