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How to Say "variety" in Spanish

English → Spanish

raza

RAH-sahˈraθa

nounA2general
Use 'raza' when referring to a specific type or breed, particularly for animals or plants.
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-rehs/koˈloɾes/

nounB2idiomatic
Use 'colores' in the idiomatic expression 'de todos colores' to describe a wide range or diversity of something, often used humorously or emphatically.
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).

Confusing 'raza' with 'colores'

Learners often confuse 'raza' and 'colores' because they both can imply diversity. Remember that 'raza' specifically refers to breeds or types, while 'colores' is part of an idiom meaning a wide range or a spectrum of things, often in an emotional context like blushing.

Related Translations

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