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A2 adjective #6,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

curvo

Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces curvo en 30 secondes

Explication curvo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'curvo' as a basic descriptive word for shapes. It is the opposite of 'recto' (straight). You use it to describe simple things like a 'línea curva' (curved line) in a drawing or a 'camino curvo' (curved road). At this stage, focus on the basic masculine and feminine forms: 'curvo' and 'curva'. You might use it when talking about colors and shapes in a classroom or describing a simple map. It's important to remember that it goes after the noun. For example, 'un plátano curvo'. You don't need to worry about complex metaphors yet; just use it for physical objects that aren't straight. Think of common things like a circle or an oval—these are made of curved lines. If you are describing a drawing to a friend, you might say, 'Mira, este sol tiene rayos curvos'. It is a very useful word for basic spatial awareness and simple descriptions of the world around you.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'curvo' in more practical, everyday contexts. You might use it to describe directions, such as 'el camino es curvo y largo' (the road is curved and long). You will also encounter it when shopping for household items, like 'un monitor curvo' or 'una mesa con bordes curvos'. You should be comfortable with the plural forms 'curvos' and 'curvas' and ensure they match the noun perfectly. At this level, you can also start using adverbs to modify it, such as 'muy curvo' or 'un poco curvo'. You might hear it in weather reports or simple geography lessons describing the 'línea curva' of a coast or a river. It's also the time to distinguish between the adjective 'curvo' and the noun 'la curva' (the curve/turn), which is very common when talking about driving. For example, 'Hay una curva peligrosa' (There is a dangerous curve) versus 'El tramo es curvo' (The section is curved).

At the B1 level, you can use 'curvo' to describe more complex ideas and in more specific fields like art, basic science, or intermediate-level descriptions. You might discuss architecture, noting how certain buildings have 'diseños curvos' to look more modern or organic. You can also use it in a more figurative sense, though still mostly physical, such as describing someone's 'perfil curvo' or the 'trayectoria curva' of a ball in a sports match. You should be able to compare it with synonyms like 'arqueado' (arched) or 'ondulado' (wavy). For instance, you can explain why a 'techo arqueado' is different from a 'techo curvo' in a simple way. You will also see 'curvo' in more formal texts, such as instructions for assembling furniture or technical descriptions of tools. Your ability to use 'curvo' should now feel natural, and you should be able to explain the concept of curvature to others using synonyms and antonyms like 'rectilíneo' or 'plano'.

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At the B2 level, 'curvo' becomes a tool for detailed and technical description. You can use it in academic contexts, such as describing 'espacio curvo' in physics or 'geometría curva'. You are expected to use it with high precision, distinguishing it from 'sinuoso' (sinuous) or 'combado' (warped). In literature or advanced descriptive writing, you might use 'curvo' to create a specific mood—describing 'sombras curvas' (curved shadows) or 'movimientos curvos'. You should also be familiar with common collocations and idioms, such as 'la curva de aprendizaje' (the learning curve), even though the noun is used there, the concept is related. You can discuss the aesthetic impact of 'líneas curvas' in design and how they contrast with 'líneas rectas' to create harmony or tension. Your vocabulary should be rich enough to discuss the 'perfil curvo' of a car's aerodynamics or the 'superficie curva' of a specialized lens in photography.

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At the C1 level, you use 'curvo' with nuance and sophisticated flair. You might explore the philosophical or artistic implications of 'la línea curva' in essays about modernism or organic architecture. You can use the word to describe complex scientific phenomena with ease, such as 'la métrica de un espacio curvo'. You understand the subtle differences between 'curvo', 'helicoidal' (helical), and 'parabólico'. In professional settings—whether in engineering, medicine, or fine arts—you use 'curvo' to provide exact specifications. You can also appreciate and use the word in high-level literary contexts where it might describe something abstract, like a 'pensamiento curvo' (a non-linear or indirect thought), although this is creative usage. You should be able to engage in a debate about the ergonomics of 'diseño curvo' in technology versus traditional flat designs, using a wide range of supporting vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.

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At the C2 level, 'curvo' is a word you master in all its dimensions, from the most technical scientific applications to the most delicate poetic expressions. You can discuss the 'curvatura' of space-time in the context of general relativity or the 'estética curva' of Baroque art with native-like precision. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word and its related forms. You can use it to describe the most subtle physical properties, such as the 'superficie mínimamente curva' of a high-tech material. In literature, you might use 'curvo' to describe the 'silueta curva del tiempo' or other highly abstract concepts. You have a complete grasp of all synonyms and can choose 'arqueado', 'sinuoso', 'torcido', or 'flexionado' based on the tiniest shift in meaning. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, whether you are writing a technical manual, a scientific paper, or a piece of creative fiction.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

curvo en 30 secondes

The word 'curvo' is an adjective meaning 'curved' or 'bent'. It is the opposite of 'recto' (straight).
It must agree in gender and number with the noun: curvo, curva, curvos, curvas.
It is used in many contexts, including driving (roads), technology (monitors), and science (space-time).
Avoid confusing it with the noun 'la curva', which refers to the bend or turn itself.

The Spanish word curvo is a fundamental adjective used to describe anything that deviates from a straight line in a smooth, continuous fashion. At its core, it translates to 'curved' in English. It is a versatile term that spans across various domains, from basic geometry and physical descriptions to complex architectural theories and abstract metaphors. When you look at the world, you realize that nature rarely uses perfectly straight lines; instead, it favors the curvo. From the gentle arc of a horizon to the intricate spirals of a seashell, this word captures the essence of fluid form. In everyday Spanish, you will use it to describe physical objects like a bent pipe, a winding road, or even the shape of a person's posture. Understanding curvo is essential because it provides the necessary contrast to recto (straight), allowing for a complete spatial description of the environment around you.

Physical Geometry: In technical or mathematical contexts, 'curvo' describes a line or surface where no part is straight. It is the defining characteristic of circles, ellipses, and parabolas.
Aesthetics and Design: In art and architecture, 'curvo' often implies a sense of movement, organic growth, or elegance. It is frequently associated with the 'Modernista' movement in Spain, particularly in the works of Antoni Gaudí.

El arquitecto diseñó un techo curvo para que el edificio pareciera una ola.

Beyond the literal, curvo can be used metaphorically to describe paths that are not direct. While 'recto' implies honesty and directness, a 'camino curvo' might suggest a journey full of detours or a person's life that has taken many unexpected turns. However, unlike 'torcido' (twisted/crooked), which can have a negative connotation of being broken or dishonest, curvo remains largely descriptive of a natural, intentional bend. It is a word that evokes softness and flow, contrasting with the rigidity of angular shapes. Whether you are talking about the 'espacio curvo' in Einstein's theory of relativity or simply describing a 'monitor curvo' for gaming, this adjective is indispensable for modern Spanish communication.

Las líneas curvas del dibujo le dan un aspecto muy dinámico.

Everyday Objects: Think of a banana, a boomerang, or a crescent moon. All of these possess a 'forma curva'.

Necesitamos un tubo curvo para conectar estas dos tuberías en la esquina.

Ese camino es muy curvo y peligroso por la noche.

Scientific Usage: In physics and astronomy, 'curvo' is used to describe the nature of space-time or the path of light near a massive object.

La luz sigue un camino curvo debido a la gravedad del sol.

Using curvo correctly requires attention to basic Spanish grammar rules, specifically adjective agreement and placement. As an adjective, it must match the noun it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). In most standard descriptions, curvo follows the noun it modifies, which is the typical pattern for descriptive adjectives in Spanish. For example, 'un puente curvo' (a curved bridge) or 'una superficie curva' (a curved surface). However, in poetic or literary contexts, it might occasionally precede the noun to emphasize the quality of the object, though this is much less common in daily speech.

Gender Agreement: Masculine: El arco es curvo. Feminine: La pared es curva.
Number Agreement: Singular: El monitor es curvo. Plural: Los monitores son curvos.

Compré una pantalla curva para mi computadora nueva.

When using curvo with verbs, it most frequently appears with 'ser' because the curvature is usually an inherent, permanent characteristic of the object. For instance, 'La carretera es curva' implies that the road was built that way. If you were to use 'estar', it might imply a temporary state or a change in condition, such as 'El metal está curvo por el calor' (The metal is curved/bent because of the heat). This distinction is vital for conveying the correct nuance. Furthermore, curvo can be modified by adverbs to provide more detail, such as 'ligeramente curvo' (slightly curved) or 'muy curvo' (very curved).

Las vigas del techo son curvas y están hechas de madera laminada.

Comparisons: Este cuchillo es más curvo que el otro. (This knife is more curved than the other.)

Prefiero los muebles de diseño curvo porque suavizan el espacio.

El río sigue un curso curvo a través del valle.

Negative Sentences: El borde no es curvo, es totalmente recto.

Esa línea no parece un arco, no es lo suficientemente curva.

In the Spanish-speaking world, you will encounter curvo in a surprising variety of everyday situations. One of the most common places is on the road. GPS systems or driving instructors might warn you about a 'tramo curvo' (curved section) of the highway. If you are a sports fan, particularly of soccer or baseball, commentators often talk about the 'trayectoria curva' (curved trajectory) of the ball after a player strikes it with 'efecto' (spin). In the tech world, 'pantalla curva' has become a standard marketing term for high-end televisions and gaming monitors, emphasizing an immersive viewing experience. You'll hear tech reviewers debating whether a monitor curvo is truly better for productivity or just a gimmick.

Architecture and Tourism: Tour guides in Barcelona constantly use the word to describe the organic shapes of the Sagrada Familia or Casa Milá, explaining how Gaudí avoided straight lines.
Health and Anatomy: Doctors or physical therapists might describe a 'columna curva' when discussing scoliosis or posture issues.

El guía explicó que el diseño curvo de la fachada imita el movimiento del mar.

Another fascinating context is in the kitchen or during shopping. You might hear someone describing a 'cuchillo curvo' (curved knife) used for specific tasks like peeling fruit or trimming meat. In fashion, while we often use 'ajustado' or 'suelto', a designer might describe a 'corte curvo' in a garment to explain how it follows the natural contours of the body. In the arts, especially in drawing classes, instructors will constantly remind students to use 'trazos curvos' (curved strokes) to create a more naturalistic look. Even in science documentaries, the phrase 'espacio curvo' is a staple when discussing the universe and Einstein’s theories. From the most mundane shopping trip to the most profound scientific discussion, curvo is a word that helps Spaniards and Latin Americans navigate and describe their physical reality.

Para esta receta, es mejor usar un cuchillo curvo pequeño.

Science Context: La teoría explica cómo el tiempo mismo puede ser curvo.

Mira ese monitor curvo; dicen que es mejor para los ojos.

El camino curvo nos llevó hasta la cima de la montaña.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using curvo is confusing the adjective with the noun curva. In English, 'curve' can be both a noun and a verb, and 'curved' is the adjective. In Spanish, these are distinct. 'Curvo' is exclusively an adjective. If you want to say 'the curve of the road', you must use 'la curva de la carretera'. If you want to say 'the road is curved', you use 'la carretera es curva'. Beginners often say 'la carretera es una curva', which literally means 'the road is a curve', which is grammatically possible but often not what they intend to say. Another common mistake is failing to apply gender agreement, especially since 'curvo' ends in '-o', leading students to accidentally use the masculine form for feminine nouns like 'línea' or 'superficie'.

Adjective vs. Noun: Mistake: 'El objeto es una curva.' Correct: 'El objeto es curvo.' (Unless the object literally is a curve in a geometric sense).
Gender Mismatch: Mistake: 'La pantalla es curvo.' Correct: 'La pantalla es curva.'

Incorrecto: Esa pared es muy curvo. Correcto: Esa pared es muy curva.

Another nuanced mistake involves the choice between curvo and synonyms like torcido or doblado. 'Curvo' implies a smooth, often intentional arc. 'Torcido' (twisted/crooked) usually implies something that should be straight but isn't, often suggesting a defect or damage. 'Doblado' (bent/folded) implies that a force was applied to change the shape, like a bent wire. If you describe a beautiful architectural arch as 'torcido', it sounds like a criticism of the construction quality rather than a description of its shape. Similarly, using curvo to describe a person's hunchback is less common than using 'encorvado'. Be mindful of the 'intentionality' or 'naturalness' that curvo conveys compared to its more 'forceful' or 'accidental' synonyms.

Él tiene la espalda encorvada (Not 'curva' usually, unless speaking anatomically).

Spelling Errors: Sometimes learners write 'curbo' with a 'b'. Always remember it's with a 'v', like 'curve' in English.

El camino curvo es más largo que el recto.

La línea curva representa el crecimiento en el gráfico.

While curvo is the most general and common term for 'curved', Spanish offers a rich palette of synonyms that can provide more specific imagery. Arqueado, for example, specifically means 'arched', like the shape of a bow or a structural arch. It suggests a more deliberate, architectural, or tension-filled curve. Sinuoso describes something with many curves, like a snake or a winding river; it implies a 'serpentine' or 'winding' quality. Redondeado means 'rounded' and is often used for corners or edges that have been smoothed down. Understanding these nuances allows you to be much more descriptive in your Spanish prose or conversation.

Curvo vs. Arqueado: 'Curvo' is any bend. 'Arqueado' is specifically like an arch (arco). Example: 'Cejas arqueadas' (arched eyebrows).
Curvo vs. Sinuoso: 'Curvo' can be a single arc. 'Sinuoso' implies multiple, alternating curves. Example: 'Un río sinuoso'.

El diseño sinuoso del sendero es muy relajante.

Other technical terms include cóncavo (concave) and convexo (convex), which describe the direction of the curve relative to the observer. These are essential in optics and geometry. If you want to describe something that is wavy, you would use ondulado. If something is bent out of shape due to pressure or heat, combado (warped) is the appropriate term, often used for wood or metal. Finally, circular is a specific type of curve that forms a complete circle. By choosing the right alternative, you can convey whether a curve is natural, structural, accidental, or mathematically precise.

La lente tiene una cara cóncava y otra plana.

Curvo vs. Ondulado: 'Curvo' is a general shape. 'Ondulado' is specifically 'wavy' like hair or the sea. Example: 'Pelo ondulado'.

La madera se ha combado por la humedad del ambiente.

El puente tiene una estructura arqueada muy resistente.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Latin root 'curvus' also gave English words like 'curve', 'curb', and even 'curtsy' (via 'courtesy', but influenced by the bowing/bending motion).

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈkuɾ.bo/

US /ˈkuɾ.bo/

The stress is on the first syllable: CUR-vo.

Rime avec

turvo esturvo biurvo recurvo decurvo incurvo procurvo transcurvo

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (with teeth on lip). In Spanish, 'b' and 'v' are pronounced the same, usually as a soft bilabial sound.
Making the final 'o' sound like 'ow'.
Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Spanish tap 'r'.
Stressing the second syllable (cur-VO).
Pronouncing the 'u' like 'you' instead of 'oo'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'curve'.

Écriture 2/5

Easy, but remember to use 'v' instead of 'b' and check gender agreement.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple, but practice the Spanish 'r' and 'v' sounds.

Écoute 1/5

Easy to understand in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

recto línea forma largo camino

Apprends ensuite

sinuoso arqueado cóncavo convexo esfera

Avancé

curvatura curvilíneo geometría no euclidiana parábola

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective-Noun Agreement

La línea (f) es curva (f). El camino (m) es curvo (m).

Adjective Placement

Un monitor curvo (usually after the noun).

Ser vs. Estar with Adjectives

La carretera es curva (inherent). El alambre está curvo (result of a change).

Pluralization of Adjectives

Los tubos son curvos. Las vigas son curvas.

Adverbs modifying Adjectives

Es un diseño extremadamente curvo.

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Exemples par niveau

El círculo es una línea curva.

The circle is a curved line.

Feminine singular agreement with 'línea'.

El plátano es amarillo y curvo.

The banana is yellow and curved.

Masculine singular agreement with 'plátano'.

Dibuja un camino curvo.

Draw a curved path.

Adjective follows the noun 'camino'.

La pelota tiene una forma curva.

The ball has a curved shape.

Feminine agreement with 'forma'.

El arco iris es curvo.

The rainbow is curved.

Masculine agreement with 'arco iris'.

Mi regla no es curva, es recta.

My ruler is not curved, it is straight.

Contrast between 'curva' and 'recta'.

Las gafas tienen cristales curvos.

The glasses have curved lenses.

Masculine plural agreement with 'cristales'.

La luna está curva hoy.

The moon is curved today (crescent).

Feminine agreement with 'luna'.

Este monitor curvo es muy bueno para jugar.

This curved monitor is very good for gaming.

Common tech collocation.

La carretera es muy curva en la montaña.

The road is very curved in the mountains.

Use of 'ser' for an inherent quality.

Necesito un tubo curvo para el baño.

I need a curved pipe for the bathroom.

Masculine singular agreement with 'tubo'.

Sus cejas son muy curvas.

Her eyebrows are very curved.

Feminine plural agreement with 'cejas'.

El río tiene un curso curvo por el valle.

The river has a curved course through the valley.

Describing natural geography.

La mesa tiene bordes curvos para seguridad.

The table has curved edges for safety.

Masculine plural agreement with 'bordes'.

El diseño de la silla es curvo y cómodo.

The design of the chair is curved and comfortable.

Agreement with 'diseño'.

Las líneas curvas son más difíciles de dibujar.

Curved lines are harder to draw.

Feminine plural agreement.

La arquitectura de Gaudí destaca por su estilo curvo.

Gaudí's architecture stands out for its curved style.

Describes an artistic style.

El deportista lanzó el balón con un efecto curvo.

The athlete threw the ball with a curved effect.

Describes trajectory.

El espejo curvo distorsiona mi imagen.

The curved mirror distorts my image.

Masculine singular agreement.

Prefiero los sofás de perfil curvo para el salón.

I prefer curved-profile sofas for the living room.

Agreement with 'perfil'.

La hoja de la espada es ligeramente curva.

The blade of the sword is slightly curved.

Use of the adverb 'ligeramente'.

Este material se vuelve curvo si se calienta demasiado.

This material becomes curved if it is heated too much.

Describes a change in state.

El túnel tiene un techo curvo de piedra.

The tunnel has a curved stone ceiling.

Agreement with 'techo'.

Las dunas del desierto tienen formas curvas y suaves.

The desert dunes have curved and soft shapes.

Feminine plural agreement with 'formas'.

La pantalla curva ofrece una experiencia más inmersiva.

The curved screen offers a more immersive experience.

Technical/Marketing context.

Einstein propuso que el espacio es curvo debido a la masa.

Einstein proposed that space is curved due to mass.

Scientific context.

El cirujano realizó un corte curvo para minimizar la cicatriz.

The surgeon made a curved incision to minimize the scar.

Medical context.

La aerodinámica del coche se basa en su chasis curvo.

The car's aerodynamics are based on its curved chassis.

Engineering context.

El artista prefiere los trazos curvos para expresar emoción.

The artist prefers curved strokes to express emotion.

Artistic theory.

La madera curva se utiliza mucho en la fabricación de barcos.

Curved wood is used a lot in shipbuilding.

Industrial context.

El puente colgante tiene una estructura de cables curva.

The suspension bridge has a curved cable structure.

Structural description.

Sus argumentos siguen un razonamiento curvo y confuso.

His arguments follow curved and confusing reasoning.

Figurative/Abstract usage.

La métrica del espacio-tiempo curvo es fundamental en la relatividad general.

The metric of curved space-time is fundamental in general relativity.

High-level scientific usage.

El modernismo catalán rompió con la tradición mediante el uso de la superficie curva.

Catalan Modernism broke with tradition through the use of the curved surface.

Historical/Artistic analysis.

La ergonomía de los teclados curvos reduce la tensión en las muñecas.

The ergonomics of curved keyboards reduce wrist strain.

Specialized technical context.

La luz se desvía al pasar por un campo gravitatorio curvo.

Light deflects when passing through a curved gravitational field.

Advanced physics.

El autor utiliza una narrativa de estructura curva, volviendo siempre al inicio.

The author uses a curved narrative structure, always returning to the beginning.

Literary criticism.

El diseño curvo de la presa ayuda a distribuir la presión del agua.

The curved design of the dam helps distribute water pressure.

Civil engineering.

Es necesario un análisis de las lentes curvas para corregir el astigmatismo.

An analysis of curved lenses is necessary to correct astigmatism.

Scientific/Medical precision.

La sinuosidad de la costa se describe mediante fractales en un plano curvo.

The sinuosity of the coast is described using fractals on a curved plane.

Mathematical/Geographic complexity.

La ontología del espacio curvo desafía nuestras intuiciones euclidianas más básicas.

The ontology of curved space challenges our most basic Euclidean intuitions.

Philosophical/Scientific discourse.

En la obra de Niemeyer, el hormigón parece perder su peso bajo una estética curva y leve.

In Niemeyer's work, concrete seems to lose its weight under a curved and light aesthetic.

Architectural critique.

La trayectoria curva de la partícula fue desviada por un imán superconductor.

The curved trajectory of the particle was deflected by a superconducting magnet.

Particle physics.

Se debate si el universo es plano, curvo o posee una topología más compleja.

It is debated whether the universe is flat, curved, or possesses a more complex topology.

Cosmological debate.

La caligrafía japonesa se basa en el equilibrio entre el trazo recto y el curvo.

Japanese calligraphy is based on the balance between the straight and curved stroke.

Cultural/Artistic mastery.

La fluidez de su prosa emula el movimiento curvo de las olas contra el acantilado.

The fluidity of his prose emulates the curved movement of the waves against the cliff.

High-level literary metaphor.

El ajuste de los espejos curvos en el telescopio requiere una precisión nanométrica.

The adjustment of the curved mirrors in the telescope requires nanometric precision.

Advanced engineering/Astronomy.

La percepción de lo curvo en la naturaleza ha inspirado siglos de pensamiento matemático.

The perception of the curved in nature has inspired centuries of mathematical thought.

Intellectual history.

Collocations courantes

Línea curva

Monitor curvo

Camino curvo

Perfil curvo

Espacio curvo

Superficie curva

Trayectoria curva

Borde curvo

Diseño curvo

Espada curva

Phrases Courantes

En forma curva

— In a curved shape. Used to describe how something is arranged.

Las sillas estaban puestas en forma curva.

De perfil curvo

— Having a curved profile. Used in design and anatomy.

Es un edificio de perfil curvo.

Tramo curvo

— A curved section of a road or track.

Tenga cuidado en el próximo tramo curvo.

Movimiento curvo

— A movement that follows a curve rather than a straight line.

Hizo un movimiento curvo con la mano.

Techo curvo

— A curved or vaulted ceiling.

La catedral tiene un techo curvo impresionante.

Corte curvo

— A curved cut or incision.

Haz un corte curvo en la tela.

Lente curva

— A curved lens used in glasses or cameras.

La lente curva enfoca la luz.

Madera curva

— Wood that has been shaped into a curve.

Usaron madera curva para los muebles.

Trazado curvo

— A curved layout or plan.

El trazado curvo de las calles es confuso.

Efecto curvo

— A curved effect, usually referring to a ball's path.

El golpe tuvo un efecto curvo increíble.

Souvent confondu avec

curvo vs Curva (noun)

Learners often use the noun when they need the adjective. 'La carretera es curva' (adj) vs 'La curva es peligrosa' (noun).

curvo vs Torcido

Torcido means twisted or crooked, often implying a mistake or damage. Curvo is a smooth, intentional shape.

curvo vs Doblado

Doblado means bent or folded, usually referring to something that was once straight.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Curva de aprendizaje"

— The rate of a person's progress in gaining experience or new skills.

La curva de aprendizaje de este software es muy empinada.

Professional

"Curva de la felicidad"

— A humorous way to refer to a man's potbelly or beer belly.

A Juan le ha salido la curva de la felicidad desde que se casó.

Informal

"Tomar la curva"

— To go around a bend while driving.

Tienes que frenar antes de tomar la curva.

General

"Curva de nivel"

— A line on a map connecting points of equal elevation.

Mira las curvas de nivel para saber la altura del monte.

Technical

"Salirse en una curva"

— To crash or go off the road at a bend; metaphorically, to fail suddenly.

Se salió en una curva por ir demasiado rápido.

General

"Curva cerrada"

— A very sharp turn or bend.

Cuidado, que viene una curva muy cerrada.

General

"Curvas peligrosas"

— Dangerous curves on a road; sometimes used to describe a woman's figure.

Esta carretera tiene muchas curvas peligrosas.

General/Informal

"Rectificar la curva"

— To straighten out a curve or correct a path.

Están haciendo obras para rectificar la curva de la entrada.

Technical

"Curva de oferta y demanda"

— The graphical representation of supply and demand in economics.

Estudiamos la curva de oferta y demanda en clase.

Academic

"A la vuelta de la curva"

— Just around the bend; very close in distance or time.

La gasolinera está a la vuelta de la curva.

General

Facile à confondre

curvo vs Curvado

It looks very similar to 'curvo'.

'Curvo' is the general adjective for the shape. 'Curvado' is the past participle of 'curvar', often implying something that has been bent into a curve.

El metal está curvado.

curvo vs Sinuoso

Both describe things that aren't straight.

'Sinuoso' implies many curves in a sequence (winding). 'Curvo' can be a single arc.

Un río sinuoso.

curvo vs Arqueado

Both mean curved.

'Arqueado' specifically means shaped like an arch (arco).

Cejas arqueadas.

curvo vs Redondo

Both are non-linear.

'Redondo' means round or circular. 'Curvo' is any curve, not necessarily a full circle.

Una mesa redonda.

curvo vs Ondulado

Both are non-linear.

'Ondulado' means wavy (like waves).

Pelo ondulado.

Structures de phrases

El/La [noun] es curvo/a.

El plátano es curvo.

Dibuja un/una [noun] curvo/a.

Dibuja una línea curva.

Este/Esta [noun] curvo/a es [adjective].

Esta pantalla curva es cara.

Hay muchos/muchas [noun] curvos/as en [place].

Hay muchos caminos curvos en el parque.

Prefiero el/la [noun] con diseño curvo.

Prefiero el sofá con diseño curvo.

Debido a [reason], el/la [noun] es curvo/a.

Debido a la gravedad, el espacio es curvo.

La naturaleza de lo curvo en [field] es...

La naturaleza de lo curvo en la arquitectura es fascinante.

Si no fuera por la estética curva, el edificio carecería de...

Si no fuera por la estética curva, el edificio carecería de alma.

Famille de mots

Noms

la curva (the curve)

la curvatura (the curvature)

el curvado (the bending process)

Verbes

curvar (to curve/bend)

encorvar (to hunch/bend over)

descurvar (to unbend)

Adjectifs

curvo (curved)

curvado (bent)

curvilíneo (curvilinear)

encorvado (hunched)

Apparenté

el arco

la sinuosidad

el redondeo

la flexión

la comba

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Spanish.

Erreurs courantes

La línea es curvo. → La línea es curva.
Adjectives must match the feminine gender of 'línea'.
El camino es una curva. → El camino es curvo.
Using the noun 'curva' instead of the adjective 'curvo' to describe the quality.
Un monitor curbo. → Un monitor curvo.
Spelling 'curvo' with a 'b' instead of a 'v'.
La carretera está curva. → La carretera es curva.
Using 'estar' for a permanent characteristic of the road's design.
Tengo un perfil curva. → Tengo un perfil curvo.
Mismatched gender; 'perfil' is masculine.

Astuces

Check Agreement

Always look at the noun. If it's 'la línea', use 'curva'. If it's 'los tubos', use 'curvos'.

Opposites Attract

Learn 'curvo' and 'recto' together to remember them as a pair of opposites.

Soft V

Don't bite your lip for the 'v'. Keep your lips close together for a soft Spanish 'v/b' sound.

Road Signs

Look for the word 'curva' on road signs in Spanish-speaking countries to see it in action.

Gaudí Connection

Associate 'curvo' with Barcelona's architecture to give the word a strong visual memory.

Physics Link

If you like science, remember 'espacio curvo' to link the word to Einstein's theories.

Tech Specs

Look for 'curvo' when browsing electronics online in Spanish to see how it's used for monitors.

Sketch It

Draw a 'línea curva' and a 'línea recta' and label them to practice writing.

Nuance

Remember that 'sinuoso' is for many curves, while 'curvo' is for just one or the general quality.

Banana Memory

A banana is 'curvo'. If you see a banana, think 'curvo'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'curve' in English. The word 'curvo' is almost identical, just add an 'o' for masculine or 'a' for feminine. It's a 'curv-o' object!

Association visuelle

Imagine a banana. It is yellow and 'curvo'. The shape of the banana looks like a giant 'C' for 'curvo'.

Word Web

línea arco círculo forma recto sinuoso camino diseño

Défi

Look around your room. Find three things that are 'curvos' and three things that are 'rectos'. Say them out loud in Spanish: 'La lámpara es curva. El libro es recto.'

Origine du mot

From the Latin word 'curvus', which means bent, arched, or crooked. It has been part of the Spanish language since its early development from Vulgar Latin.

Sens originel : Bent or arched.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Romance -> Spanish.

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'curvo' or 'con curvas' when describing people, as it can be perceived as commenting on their body shape.

English speakers often use 'curvy' for people and 'curved' for objects. In Spanish, 'curvo' is mostly for objects/lines, while 'con curvas' is for people.

Antoni Gaudí's architecture (Modernismo). Einstein's 'Espacio Curvo' (Relativity). The 'Curva de la Felicidad' (Spanish cultural idiom).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Driving

Carretera curva
Tramo curvo
Curva peligrosa
Señal de curva

Technology

Monitor curvo
Pantalla curva
Teclado curvo
Diseño curvo

Art/Geometry

Línea curva
Trazo curvo
Superficie curva
Forma curva

Science

Espacio curvo
Trayectoria curva
Lente curva
Campo curvo

Anatomy

Columna curva
Perfil curvo
Hueso curvo
Cejas curvas

Amorces de conversation

"¿Prefieres los monitores planos o los monitores curvos?"

"¿Has conducido alguna vez por una carretera muy curva?"

"¿Te gusta la arquitectura con diseños curvos como la de Gaudí?"

"¿Crees que un diseño curvo es más natural que uno recto?"

"¿Qué objetos curvos puedes ver ahora mismo en esta habitación?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe un paisaje que te guste usando la palabra 'curvo' al menos tres veces.

Escribe sobre las ventajas y desventajas de vivir en una casa con paredes curvas.

Imagina un mundo donde no existen las líneas rectas. ¿Cómo sería todo lo curvo?

Describe tu trayecto favorito al trabajo o la escuela, mencionando si es recto o curvo.

Escribe sobre una pieza de arte o edificio que use líneas curvas de manera interesante.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Curvo' es un adjetivo (un camino curvo), mientras que 'curva' es un sustantivo (una curva en el camino) o la forma femenina del adjetivo (una línea curva).

Generalmente no se usa 'curvo' para el cuerpo humano. Se dice que una persona tiene 'curvas' (sustantivo) o que está 'encorvada' si tiene mala postura.

Usa 'ser' para cualidades permanentes (la carretera es curva) y 'estar' para estados temporales o deformaciones (el clavo está curvo).

Sí, es una palabra de nivel básico-intermedio (A2) muy utilizada en descripciones físicas, tecnología y tráfico.

Se dice 'pantalla curva' o 'monitor curvo'.

Sí, como 'arqueado', 'sinuoso' o 'redondeado', dependiendo del contexto específico.

El antónimo principal es 'recto' (straight).

Se escribe siempre con 'v': curvo.

Se dice 'curva de aprendizaje' (usando el sustantivo).

Es redundante porque un círculo es, por definición, una línea curva cerrada, pero gramaticalmente es correcto.

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