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"Cerilla" is a noun which is often translated as "earwax", and "fósforo" is a noun which is often translated as "phosphorus". Learn more about the difference between "cerilla" and "fósforo" below.
la cerilla(
seh
-
ree
-
yah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (secretion)
a. match
¿Alguien tiene una cerilla para encender las velas?Does anyone have a match to light the candles?
el fósforo(
fohs
-
foh
-
roh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (chemistry)
a. phosphorus
Los análisis mostraron que mis niveles de fósforo están bajos.The tests showed that my phosphorus levels were low.
a. match
Solo nos queda un fósforo para prender la fogata.We only have one match left to light the fire with.
b. matchstick (wooden)
Este artista convierte millones de fósforos en maquetas muy detalladas de edificios.This artist turns millions of matchsticks into very detailed models of buildings.
