asignatura
“asignatura” means “subject” in Spanish (a branch of knowledge studied in school).
subject
Also: course
📝 In Action
Mi asignatura favorita es el arte.
A1My favorite subject is art.
¿Cuántas asignaturas tienes este semestre?
A2How many subjects do you have this semester?
Las matemáticas son una asignatura obligatoria.
B1Mathematics is a mandatory subject.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: asignatura
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is an 'asignatura'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Latin word 'assignāre,' which means 'to mark out' or 'to assign.' It refers to the specific portion of studies assigned to a student or teacher.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'asignatura' the same as 'materia'?
Yes, they are mostly interchangeable. 'Asignatura' is slightly more formal and very common in Spain, while 'materia' is preferred in many Latin American countries.
Can I use 'asignatura' to mean 'homework'?
No. For homework, you should use 'tarea' or 'deberes'. 'Asignatura' is the class itself (like History or Math).
Does it mean 'signature'?
No! This is a common mistake because they look similar. 'Signature' in Spanish is 'firma'. 'Asignatura' is a school subject.