Inklingo

How to Say "style" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “style” is “estilo” — use this word for a general way of doing something, a person's characteristic manner, or an artistic or design approach..

estilo🔊A2

Use this word for a general way of doing something, a person's characteristic manner, or an artistic or design approach.

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moda🔊A1

This refers to current trends in clothing, appearance, or behavior 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 aesthetic choices, like decor or fashion.

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lenguaje🔊B1

This word refers to the specific way someone speaks or expresses themselves, including their choice of words and tone.

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géneroB1

Choose this word when talking about a specific category or type within art, music, literature, or film.

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líneaB2

Use this to indicate a specific direction, trend, or type of product within a larger range or policy.

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clase🔊B2

This translates to 'style' when referring to social standing, elegance, or a particular social group.

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corte🔊B1

This refers to the specific cut or style of clothing, like a particular tailoring shape.

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English → Spanish

estilo

es-TEE-loh/esˈtilo/

nounA2general
Use this word for a general way of doing something, a person's characteristic manner, or an artistic or design approach.
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; he 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-dah//ˈmoða/

nounA1general
This refers to current trends in clothing, appearance, or behavior 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 aesthetic choices, like decor 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.

lenguaje

len-GWA-heh/leŋˈɡwa.xe/

nounB1general
This word refers to the specific way someone speaks or expresses themselves, including their choice of words and tone.
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).

género

nounB1general
Choose this word when talking about 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.

línea

nounB2general
Use this to indicate a specific direction, trend, or type of product within a larger range 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-seh//ˈklase/

nounB2formal
This translates to 'style' when referring to social standing, elegance, or a particular social group.
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-teh//ˈkoɾ.te/

nounB1fashion
This refers to the specific cut or style of clothing, like a particular tailoring shape.
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. Gusto vs. Moda

Learners often confuse 'estilo', 'gusto', and 'moda'. Remember that 'estilo' is the general manner or artistic approach, 'gusto' is personal preference or taste, and 'moda' specifically refers to current trends, especially in fashion.

Related Translations

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