Inklingo

How to Say "template" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “template” is “plantilla” — use 'plantilla' when referring to a digital document or design that serves as a pre-formatted guide, such as for a resume or website layout..

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plantilla

/plan-TEE-yah//planˈtiʝa/

nounA2general
Use 'plantilla' when referring to a digital document or design that serves as a pre-formatted guide, such as for a resume or website layout.
A colorful digital document layout with empty boxes for photos and lines for text, shown on a simple tablet screen.

Examples

He descargado una plantilla para mi currículum.

I have downloaded a template for my CV.

Puedes usar esta plantilla de Excel para tus gastos.

You can use this Excel template for your expenses.

Dibujamos las letras usando una plantilla de cartón.

We drew the letters using a cardboard stencil.

Always Feminine

Even when used in technical or sports contexts, it's always a feminine word. Use 'la' or 'una'.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to make 'plantillas'.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Using 'témpano' or 'témpera' for template.”

Correction: Use 'plantilla'. In Spanish, 'témpano' is an iceberg and 'témpera' is a type of paint.

modelo

/mo-DEH-loh//moˈðelo/

nounA2general
Use 'modelo' when 'template' refers to a representative example or a standard form, often used for documents or even physical objects like cars.
A small, unpainted wooden architectural model of a house prototype sitting on a workbench.

Examples

Este nuevo modelo de coche es más eficiente.

This new model of car is more efficient.

Su ética de trabajo es un modelo para todos nosotros.

His work ethic is a model/example for all of us.

Necesito una copia del modelo de solicitud.

I need a copy of the application form/template.

Always Masculine

When 'modelo' means a prototype or design, it is always a masculine noun: 'el modelo', even if the thing it describes is feminine.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Usar 'modelo' como adjetivo de calidad (e.g., 'una casa modelo').”

Correction: Use 'ejemplar' or place 'modelo' correctly as a noun modifier: 'una casa que sirve de modelo'.

molde

/MOL-deh//ˈmolde/

nounA2general
Use 'molde' for a physical object used as a guide or container to give shape to something, like a baking pan or a mold for casting.
A blue star-shaped baking mold sitting on a kitchen counter.

Examples

Engrasa el molde antes de verter la masa del pastel.

Grease the pan before pouring in the cake batter.

Usamos un molde de silicona para hacer los chocolates.

We used a silicone mold to make the chocolates.

El escultor sacó la figura de arcilla del molde.

The sculptor took the clay figure out of the cast.

Gender memory aid

Even though it ends in 'e', 'molde' is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el molde'.

Describing material

To say what a mold is made of, use the word 'de' (of) followed by the material: 'molde de metal' or 'molde de plástico'.

The 'La' Trap

Mistake: “La molde es pequeño.”

Correction: El molde es pequeño. Because words ending in 'e' don't have a fixed gender rule, you just have to memorize that this one is masculine.

patrón

nounB1specific (sewing/crafts)
Use 'patrón' specifically when referring to a guide for cutting fabric or sewing, like a sewing pattern.

Examples

El vestido tiene un patrón floral muy bonito.

The dress has a very beautiful floral pattern.

Digital vs. Physical Guides

The most common confusion is between 'plantilla' (digital template) and 'molde' (physical mold). Remember that 'plantilla' is for digital formats like documents or designs, while 'molde' is for physical shaping.

Related Translations

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