"SHADE" OR "SHADOW"?

"SHADE" OR "SHADOW"?

This seems like a straightforward issue, but in the end, it is a little complex to explain! I have heard Spanish speakers make many mistakes with these two words and I think the word "shadow" comes more naturally to Spanish speakers for some reason. The problem is that this is not always the right option!

The word "shadow" is used mostly when you are talking about the shape that a person or animal makes on the ground when they are exposed to the sun. For example: "My shadow is very long". If you are talking about "shade", this is best described as a location that is protected from the sun by an inanimate object".

A bit complex, I know, but worth clarifying I think!

​Hope that helps!