Spanish Conversation · Level 70
60 words
Spanish word
canica
Pronunciation
IPA/kaˈnika/
Meaning
- feminine nounmarble
Example
Tengo una canica azul.
I have a blue marble.
More examples
Se me cayó una canica debajo del sofá.
A marble fell under the sofa.
Core concept
Pocket-sized shiny glass collectible sphere.
Common phrases
jugar a las canicas
play marbles
tirar una canica
flick a marble
bolsa de canicas
bag of marbles
Similar words
bola: Any spherical object or ball, from toy balls to large spheres.
bolita: Little round toy or bead, emphasizing smallness and endearment.
Definition in Spanish
Bola pequeña y lisa, normalmente de vidrio, empleada como juguete o pieza de colección.
Word origin
Derived from an older term for a pebble, it came to be used for small glass spheres that children play with or collect.
Usage tips
- When referring to the game Spanish normally says 'jugar a las canicas', while a single toy is called 'una canica'.