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canica means marble — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 11, 2026

😆 Funny Words

canica

noun • /[ka-NEE-ka]/

marble

Example:

Los niños jugaban con una canica brillante.

The children played with a shiny marble.

🧠 What does canica mean?

A canica is a small, spherical toy, typically made of glass, clay, steel, or plastic, used for playing games. These marbles are often collected for their aesthetic appeal due to their varied colors and patterns. In a figurative sense, 'tener buena memoria' or 'tener la cabeza llena de canicas' implies someone is forgetful or absent-minded, suggesting their thoughts are scattered like marbles.

📚 Extra examples

  • Los niños jugaban con canicas en el patio de la escuela.
    The children were playing with marbles in the schoolyard.
  • Colecciono canicas antiguas por sus diseños únicos.
    I collect antique marbles for their unique designs.
  • Parece que se le han caído las canicas, no recuerda dónde dejó las llaves.
    It seems like their marbles have rolled away; they can't remember where they left the keys.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'canica' is thought to have origins in the Arabic word 'qánik,' meaning 'clear' or 'transparent,' likely referring to the glass material of some marbles.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "canica"

Synonyms: bolita, tula

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'marble' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'marble' is 'canica'.
How do you pronounce 'canica' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'canica' is kah-NEE-kah.
How do you use 'canica' in a sentence?
'Canica' is used as a noun to refer to a marble. For example, 'El niño perdió su canica favorita.' (The boy lost his favorite marble.) It can also be used metaphorically, as in 'Tiene la cabeza llena de canicas,' meaning 'Their head is full of marbles,' implying absent-mindedness.
What is the English translation of 'canica'?
The English translation of 'canica' is 'marble'.
Does 'canica' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'canica' is a feminine noun. It changes for number: 'canica' (singular) and 'canicas' (plural).
Is 'canica' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'canica' is a common word, especially when referring to the toy. The figurative use, 'tener la cabeza llena de canicas,' is also understood.
Does 'canica' have slang or double meanings?
While not strictly slang, the phrase 'tener la cabeza llena de canicas' is a colloquial expression indicating forgetfulness or being scatterbrained. It's a playful way to describe someone's mental state.
Is 'canica' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The primary meaning of 'canica' as a marble toy is consistent across Spanish-speaking regions. The figurative use for absent-mindedness is also widely understood.

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