Inklingo

How to Say "surface" in Spanish

English → Spanish

superficie

soo-per-FEE-see-eh/su.peɾˈfi.θje/

nounA2general
Use 'superficie' when referring to the outer layer, top side, or any physical surface of an object or area.
A close-up view of the smooth, reflective surface of a calm pond, showing the outer layer of the water.

Examples

La mesa tiene una superficie lisa.

The table has a smooth surface.

No toques la superficie del cristal, está caliente.

Don't touch the surface of the glass, it's hot.

El bote flotaba en la superficie del lago.

The boat floated on the surface of the lake.

La luna tiene una superficie rocosa y llena de cráteres.

The moon has a rocky surface full of craters.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in '-ie,' 'superficie' is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it (la superficie).

Incorrect Gender

Mistake:El superficie es liso.

Correction: La superficie es lisa. (Remember it is feminine, 'la' and 'lisa' must match.)

faz

/fath/ or /fass//faθ/

nounB2formal/literary
Use 'faz' primarily when referring to the face or surface of the Earth, a planet, or in a more poetic or formal context, like the 'face' of something.
A vibrant view of the Earth's surface showing green continents and blue oceans from space.

Examples

La faz de la luna está cubierta de cráteres.

The surface of the moon is covered in craters.

Esa especie ha desaparecido de la faz de la tierra.

That species has disappeared from the face of the earth.

La moneda tiene una efigie en su faz principal.

The coin has an image on its main side.

Exploraron la faz del nuevo planeta con un robot.

They explored the surface of the new planet with a robot.

Describing Objects

When talking about paper or coins, 'faz' refers to the side you are looking at. 'Doble faz' is a common way to say 'double-sided' for printing.

General vs. Formal Surface

Learners often confuse 'superficie' and 'faz' by using 'faz' for everyday objects. Remember, 'superficie' is for the general, physical top of things, while 'faz' is more specific to planets, the Earth, or metaphorical surfaces.

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