Inklingo

How to Say "variety" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “variety” is “variedad” — use 'variedad' when referring to a wide selection or assortment of different things, like a menu with many options or a collection of items.

English → Spanish

variedad

bah-ree-eh-DAHDbaɾjeˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'variedad' when referring to a wide selection or assortment of different things, like a menu with many options or a collection of items.
A colorful basket filled with many different types of fruits like apples, grapes, bananas, and oranges.

Examples

En este restaurante tienen una gran variedad de postres.

In this restaurant, they have a great variety of desserts.

Me gusta la variedad de colores en tu jardín.

I like the variety of colors in your garden.

Es importante proteger la variedad de especies en el océano.

It is important to protect the variety of species in the ocean.

Always Feminine

In Spanish, words that end in '-dad' (like 'ciudad' or 'universidad') are almost always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with 'variedad'.

The 'Of' Connection

Just like in English, when you want to say a variety 'of' something, you use the word 'de' followed by a plural word (e.g., 'variedad de manzanas').

Using 'Variety' as an Adjective

Mistake: “La comida es muy variedad.”

Correction: La comida es muy variada.

diversidad

dee-vehr-see-DAHDdiβeɾsiˈðað

nounA2general
Choose 'diversidad' to describe the state of having many different types of things or people, emphasizing richness and difference within a group or collection.
A collection of different types of flowers, such as a sunflower, a tulip, and a daisy, growing together in a vibrant garden.

Examples

Me gusta la diversidad de colores en este cuadro.

I like the diversity of colors in this painting.

La diversidad cultural es muy importante para el país.

Cultural diversity is very important for the country.

Debemos proteger la diversidad biológica del océano.

We must protect the biological diversity of the ocean.

The '-dad' Rule

In Spanish, words that end in '-dad' are almost always feminine. This means you will always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Singular vs. Plural

Even though 'diversity' involves many things, we usually use the word in its singular form to describe the concept as a whole.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “El diversidad es buena.”

Correction: La diversidad es buena. (Because it ends in -dad, it is a feminine word).

raza

RAH-sahˈraθa

nounA2general
Use 'raza' specifically when talking about a breed or type of animal or plant.
A simple storybook illustration showing two very different types of dogs, a small brown chihuahua and a large fluffy white poodle, standing near each other.

Examples

Mi perro es de raza pequeña.

My dog is a small breed.

¿Qué raza de caballo prefieres para montar?

What breed of horse do you prefer for riding?

Pura Raza

To describe an animal as a purebred, use the phrase 'de pura raza' or just 'pura raza' as an adjective, which always stays feminine to match 'raza'.

colores

koh-LOH-rehskoˈloɾes

nounB2idiomatic
Only use 'colores' (in the plural) in the specific idiomatic phrase 'de todos los colores' to mean blushing or embarrassment, not for general variety.
A close-up illustration of a person's face showing strong red blush covering their cheeks and nose, indicating embarrassment.

Examples

Cuando le preguntaron por su secreto, se le subieron los colores a la cara.

When they asked him about his secret, he blushed/felt embarrassed.

Esa revista tiene artículos de todos colores: política, chismes, ciencia...

That magazine has articles of all kinds (of every color): politics, gossip, science...

Subir los colores

When someone blushes, Spanish often uses the verb 'subir' (to go up) or 'salir' (to come out) with 'los colores' as the subject: 'Se me subieron los colores' (The colors rose in me).

Choosing between 'variedad' and 'diversidad'

Learners often confuse 'variedad' and 'diversidad'. 'Variedad' refers to a collection of different items or options, like a variety of fruits. 'Diversidad' describes the state of being diverse, emphasizing the presence of many different types within a whole, such as the diversity of species in an ecosystem.

Related Translations

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