arte

art

noun AHR-teh Less Common

Origin: From Latin ars, artis.

Usage Note

Arte has a famously tricky gender: it is grammatically masculine in the singular (el arte moderno) but feminine in the plural (las artes). The phrase malas artes means 'underhanded tricks'. Bellas artes refers to the fine arts. The masculine singular is the norm in modern usage, though older texts may show feminine singular.

Examples

"El arte contemporáneo me fascina."

Natural Translation

Contemporary art fascinates me.

Literal Translation

The art contemporary me fascinates

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Ser vs. Estar: When to Use Each in Spanish

Ser vs estar made simple: how you feel and where you are use estar, everything else uses ser. Master the rule, the exceptions, and the traps that flip meaning.

June 3, 2026 6 min read