Inklingo

How to Say "veil" in Spanish

English → Spanish

velo

/beh-loh//ˈbelo/

nounA2general
Use 'velo' when referring to a piece of thin fabric, typically worn by a bride or for religious purposes, to cover the head or face.
A delicate white lace veil draped over a simple wooden stand.

Examples

La novia eligió un velo de encaje muy largo.

The bride chose a very long lace veil.

Ella se cubrió con un velo por respeto.

She covered herself with a veil out of respect.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in 'o', it's a masculine noun, so always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Velo vs. Vela

Mistake: “Using 'la velo' to mean candle.”

Correction: Say 'la vela' for candle and 'el velo' for veil. They are different words!

cortina

/kor-TEE-nah//koɾˈtina/

nounB2figurative
Use 'cortina' metaphorically to mean a barrier or screen that hides something, like a 'smoke screen' or 'curtain' of fog.
A dense wall of green trees and bushes acting as a natural screen in a garden.

Examples

Una cortina de humo ocultó los planes del gobierno.

A smoke screen hid the government's plans.

A lo lejos se veía una cortina de lluvia.

In the distance, a curtain of rain could be seen.

Using 'De' for Description

To describe what the 'screen' is made of (like smoke or rain), simply add 'de' followed by the substance.

Literal vs. Figurative Meanings

Learners often confuse 'velo' and 'cortina' by using the literal translation for a fabric veil when a figurative meaning is intended. Remember that 'velo' is for fabric, while 'cortina' is used metaphorically for something that conceals.

Related Translations

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