How do you say shadow in Spanish?

The Spanish word for shadow is sombra (SOHM-brah), and it also means shade when referring to a sheltered area away from direct sunlight.

Does sombra mean both shadow and shade?

Sombra covers both meanings in Spanish, so whether you are talking about the dark outline on the ground or the cool area under a tree, sombra is the right word.

How do you say 'eye shadow' in Spanish?

Eye shadow is sombra de ojos, literally 'shadow of the eyes,' and is the standard term used in cosmetics across all Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Shadow in Spanish: Sombra

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Sombra · noun (feminine) · SOHM-brah

Shadow in Spanish is sombra, a feminine noun that describes the dark area produced when an object blocks light. Sombra also carries figurative meanings, such as living in someone's shadow or the shadow of doubt.

Sombra is pronounced SOHM-brah, with the stress on the first syllable. Both syllables are short and crisp.

El árbol proyecta una sombra enorme en el jardín.

The tree casts a huge shadow in the garden.

How Native Speakers Use Sombra

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Seeking shade

Vamos a sentarnos a la sombra porque hace mucho calor.

Let's sit in the shade because it's very hot.

Suggesting relief from the sun during a warm day.

Describing a silhouette

Vi la sombra de alguien moverse detrás de la cortina.

I saw someone's shadow moving behind the curtain.

Narrating a mysterious or suspenseful scene.

Figurative use

Siempre vivió a la sombra de su hermano mayor.

He always lived in the shadow of his older brother.

Describing someone who is overshadowed by a family member's achievements.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Sombra

Using masculine article

Incorrect: El sombra es muy largo.

Correct: La sombra es muy larga.

Sombra is a feminine noun, so it takes the article la and feminine adjectives like larga.

Confusing sombra with sombrero

Incorrect: Me puse la sombra para protegerme del sol.

Correct: Me puse el sombrero para protegerme del sol.

Sombra means shadow or shade, while sombrero is a hat. Although they share the same root, they are completely different words.

Lock in Shadow 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 Sombra used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using sombra in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El árbol proyecta una sombra enorme en el jardín. 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 Shadow in Spanish

How do you say shadow in Spanish?: The Spanish word for shadow is sombra (SOHM-brah), and it also means shade when referring to a sheltered area away from direct sunlight.
Does sombra mean both shadow and shade?: Sombra covers both meanings in Spanish, so whether you are talking about the dark outline on the ground or the cool area under a tree, sombra is the right word.
How do you say 'eye shadow' in Spanish?: Eye shadow is sombra de ojos, literally 'shadow of the eyes,' and is the standard term used in cosmetics across all Spanish-speaking countries.