formar
verb
1. to form, create, shape
giving shape or creating
Common combinations
- formar una figura — to form a figure
- formar una imagen — to form an image
- formar una estructura — to form a structure
- Formó una estrella con papel.She formed a star out of paper.
- Los niños forman figuras con plastilina.The children make figures out of modeling clay.
- El viento formó ondas en el agua.The wind formed waves on the water.
2. to make up, constitute, comprise estar formado por
forming a whole or group
Common combinations
- formar un grupo — to form a group
- formar un conjunto — to form a whole
- estar formado por varias partes — to be made up of several parts
- Cinco personas forman el equipo.Five people make up the team.
- El agua y la harina forman la masa.Water and flour make up the dough.
- La mesa está formada por cuatro tablas.The table is made up of four boards.
3. to train, educate + a alguien; en algo
preparing someone through education or experience
Common combinations
- formar profesionales — to train professionals
- formar a los alumnos — to train students
- formar como especialista — to train as a specialist
- La escuela forma a los futuros médicos.The school trains future doctors.
- El curso forma a los alumnos en nuevas técnicas.The course trains students in new techniques.
- Su experiencia lo formó como líder.His experience shaped him as a leader.
4. to line up, form up
taking an ordered position
Common combinations
- formar una fila — to form a line
- formar una cola — to form a queue
- formar en filas — to form up in rows
- Los alumnos formaron una fila.The students lined up.
- El público formó una cola ante la puerta.The audience formed a line at the door.
- Los soldados formaron en el patio.The soldiers formed up in the yard.
5. to form, develop
appearing or developing as a phenomenon
Common combinations
- formar nubes — to form clouds
- formar charcos — to form puddles
- formarse una tormenta — for a storm to form
- Se formaron nubes sobre la ciudad.Clouds formed over the city.
- La lluvia formó charcos en la calle.The rain formed puddles in the street.
- Se formó una tormenta por la tarde.A storm formed in the afternoon.
Phrases with this word