química
nounCEFR B2
What does “química” mean in English?
chemistry — the science of matter and its reactions; and figuratively the interpersonal rapport or attraction between people
chemistry — the science of matter and its reactions; and figuratively the interpersonal rapport or attraction between people (la química entre dos personas; química orgánica)
Example sentences
La química entre los dos actores principales era tan palpable que las escenas ganaron en autenticidad.
The chemistry between the two lead actors was so palpable that the scenes gained in authenticity.
La química atmosférica estudia las reacciones que tienen lugar en la troposfera y su efecto sobre el clima.
Atmospheric chemistry studies the reactions that take place in the troposphere and their effect on the climate.
La buena química dentro del equipo de trabajo es un factor que los gestores subestiman con frecuencia.
Good chemistry within the work team is a factor that managers frequently underestimate.
How to use it
La química (noun, feminine) means 'chemistry' — the science and, very productively at B2, the figurative sense of rapport or interpersonal attraction between people. Core collocations in science: la química orgánica/inorgánica; el laboratorio de química; una reacción química. In figurative use: la química entre dos personas; la química del equipo; tener química con alguien (to have chemistry with someone); la química del enamoramiento. The adjective químico/a (chemical) is also important at B2: un producto químico (a chemical product), reacción química (chemical reaction). The noun for a chemist is un/una químico/a.
Common mistake
La química (the science) and la química (interpersonal chemistry) are perfectly parallel to English. The plural las químicas does not exist with the science sense — it's la química as a mass noun. 'A chemical' (substance) = un producto químico or un compuesto químico (not *una química). 'Chemistry teacher' = profesor/a de química.