Inklingo
← Dictionary

ciencia

SYEN-see-ah (Latin America) or thee-EN-thee-ah (Spain)/ˈsjen.sja/

“ciencia” means “science” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

science

Also: scientific knowledge
NounfB1
A simple illustration showing a glass beaker filled with blue liquid next to a large magnifying glass and a simple green plant, symbolizing scientific study.

📝 In Action

La ciencia nos ayuda a entender el universo.

A2

Science helps us understand the universe.

Mi hermano estudia ciencias de la computación en la universidad.

B1

My brother studies computer science at the university.

El método científico es la base de toda ciencia moderna.

B2

The scientific method is the basis of all modern science.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • ciencia ficción – science fiction
  • ciencias naturales – natural sciences
  • ciencias sociales – social sciences

knowledge

Also: skill
NounfC1formal
A tall stack of colorful, closed storybooks resting on a surface, with a bright glowing yellow lightbulb floating directly above them, symbolizing accumulated knowledge.

📝 In Action

No podemos saber a ciencia cierta quién fue el culpable.

B2

We cannot know for certain who the culprit was. (Literally: 'to certain knowledge')

Ese carpintero tiene mucha ciencia en el manejo de la madera.

C1

That carpenter has great skill in handling wood.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • saber (knowledge/wisdom)
  • maestría (mastery)

Idioms & Expressions

  • a ciencia cierta – for certain, for sure

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ciencia" in Spanish:

knowledge→science→scientific knowledge→skill→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ciencia

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses the most common, B1-level meaning of 'ciencia'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
científico(scientific; scientist) — Adjective / Noun
consciencia(consciousness, awareness) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *scientia*, which simply meant 'knowledge' or 'knowing.' This word itself is related to the Latin verb *scire*, meaning 'to know.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: sciencePortuguese: ciênciaItalian: scienza

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ciencia' related to the word 'consciencia' (consciousness)?

Yes, they share the same Latin root *scientia* (knowledge/knowing). 'Ciencia' focuses on external, organized knowledge, while 'consciencia' focuses on internal knowledge or awareness.