Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Patterns in Spanish: Patrones
Patrones · noun (masculine plural) · pah-TROH-nehs
The Spanish word for patterns is 'patrones,' the plural of 'patrón.' It applies to repeating designs in fabric or art, behavioral tendencies, data trends, and sewing templates. The versatility of this word mirrors the English usage across multiple domains.
Pronounce 'patrones' as pah-TROH-nehs, with stress on the second syllable. Note that the accent mark from the singular 'patrón' disappears in the plural form.
Los científicos descubrieron patrones interesantes en los datos.
The scientists discovered interesting patterns in the data.
Patterns in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for patterns, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| patrones | patterns | pah-TROH-nehs | Default, widely understood |
| diseños | patterns | for visual or decorative patterns | |
| modelos | patterns | for behavioral or template patterns |
How Native Speakers Use Patrones
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Fashion design
La diseñadora creó patrones únicos para la colección de primavera.
The designer created unique patterns for the spring collection.
Discussing fashion or textile design.
Behavioral observation
El psicólogo identificó patrones de comportamiento repetitivos.
The psychologist identified repetitive behavioral patterns.
Analyzing behavior in a clinical setting.
Nature observation
Las hojas del helecho tienen patrones fractales.
Fern leaves have fractal patterns.
Observing mathematical patterns in nature.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Patrones
Keeping the accent in plural
Incorrect: Los patrón del tejido son muy bonitos.
Correct: Los patrones del tejido son muy bonitos.
The plural of 'patrón' is 'patrones,' not 'patrón.' When adding '-es,' the word shifts stress naturally and drops the written accent.
Using 'paternas' as a false plural
Incorrect: Hay paternas interesantes en esta alfombra.
Correct: Hay patrones interesantes en esta alfombra.
'Paternas' is not a word. The correct plural is 'patrones,' following standard Spanish pluralization rules.
Lock in Patterns Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Patrones used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using patrones in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los científicos descubrieron patrones interesantes en los datos. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Patterns in Spanish
- Can 'patrones' also mean bosses?
- Since 'patrón' can mean boss, the plural 'patrones' can indeed refer to multiple bosses or employers, so context is crucial to determine whether someone means patterns or bosses.
- How do you say 'pattern recognition' in Spanish?
- The technical term is 'reconocimiento de patrones,' commonly used in fields like artificial intelligence, psychology, and data science.
- Is there a different word for sewing patterns versus visual patterns?
- Spanish uses 'patrones' for both sewing templates and decorative designs, though 'molde' is sometimes preferred specifically for sewing patterns, while 'diseño' may describe purely visual or decorative patterns.