Spanish word

sustancia

Pronunciation

IPA/susˈtanθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsubstance

Example

Esa sustancia es peligrosa.

That substance is dangerous.

Illustration for sustancia (substance)

More examples

Encontraron una sustancia química en la muestra.

They found a chemical substance in the sample.

Core concept

Material with distinct chemical or physical properties.

Common phrases

  • sustancia química

    chemical substance

  • sustancia tóxica

    toxic substance

  • sustancia peligrosa

    dangerous substance

Similar words

materia: Basic material that makes up physical objects or substances.
ingrediente: Substance included as an ingredient or raw material in food or products.
componente: Part that composes a larger whole, often one element within a mixture or device.

Definition in Spanish

Materia con propiedades físicas o químicas que la distinguen como entidad reconocible y que puede constituir un componente.

Word origin

From Latin substantia (sub 'under' + stare 'stand'), originally meaning 'essence' and later used for a material or component.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish, sustancia sounds somewhat formal, so speakers often use ingrediente for food and material for ordinary products.

Other meanings

  • drugnoun

Word lists with this word