Spanish Conversation · Level 19
90 words
Spanish word
raya
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈraʝa/
Meaning
- feminine nounline
Example
Haz una raya en el papel.
Draw a line on the paper.
More examples
La camiseta tiene una raya blanca en el costado.
The shirt has a white stripe on the side.
Core concept
A single linear sign left by dragging an object across a surface.
Common phrases
hacer una raya
make a line
trazar una raya
trace a line
Similar words
línea: Extended straight line that runs continuously in one direction across a surface.
marca: Simple sign or mark that denotes ownership, location, or category.
franja: Area in the form of a band with a different color or material.
señal: Cue or symbol that draws attention or communicates a warning or direction.
Definition in Spanish
Señal lineal creada al trazar algo sobre una superficie; también, franja estrecha de color en prendas y patrones.
Word origin
The word comes from Old Spanish raia and ultimately from Latin radius 'rod' or 'spoke', reflecting the idea of a line traced by a rod, while the marine term raya comes from Greek ῥαῖα and is unrelated.
Usage tips
- Clothing descriptions often use a phrase like camisa a rayas to mean 'striped', which highlights the common textile sense of raya distinct from línea for abstract lines.
Other meanings
- stripenoun
- stingraynoun
Related words
- rayardraw a lineverb
- rayadostripedadjective
- rayitalittle linenoun