Spanish word

metal

Pronunciation

IPA/meˈtal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmetal

Example

¿Es este vaso de metal?

Is this glass made of metal?

Illustration for metal (metal)

More examples

Los utensilios de cocina suelen ser de metal para durar más.

Kitchen utensils are often made of metal to last longer.

Core concept

Hard materials such as iron or gold used to make objects.

Common phrases

  • vaso de metal

    metal cup

  • cuchillo de metal

    metal knife

  • herramienta de metal

    metal tool

Similar words

material: Material in its raw form used to create objects, clothing, and household goods.
plástico: Plastic polymer material, soft and formable, typically made from oil-derived chemicals.
acero: Carbon-strengthened iron alloy made for high strength and resistance to wear.
hierro: Metallic element iron, notable for its magnetic properties and structural use.

Definition in Spanish

Designa los elementos o aleaciones, como hierro u oro, que sirven como materiales duros para fabricar objetos.

Word origin

From Latin metallum, originally borrowed from Greek metallon meaning 'mine' or 'metal'.

Usage tips

  • In Spanish conversation speakers often name the specific metal (acero, aluminio, cobre) rather than just saying metal to avoid ambiguity.

Other meanings

  • heavy metalnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • metálicometallicadjective
  • metalizadometalizedadjective

Word lists with this word