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esquema

es-KE-ma/esˈkema/

“esquema” means “outline” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

outline, diagram

Also: sketch, flowchart
NounmA2
A simple drawing showing the silhouette of a tree with branches, representing a structured outline.

📝 In Action

Hice un esquema para estudiar para el examen.

A1

I made an outline to study for the exam.

El profesor dibujó un esquema en la pizarra.

A2

The teacher drew a diagram on the board.

Necesitamos un esquema claro antes de empezar el proyecto.

B1

We need a clear plan before starting the project.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bosquejo (sketch/draft)
  • resumen (summary)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • esquema mental – mental map / framework
  • hacer un esquema – to make an outline
  • esquema de colores – color scheme

framework, pattern

Also: mindset
NounmB2
The wooden frame of a simple house under construction, showing the basic framework.

📝 In Action

Esa noticia rompió todos mis esquemas.

B2

That news broke all my preconceived ideas.

El esquema de trabajo ha cambiado este año.

B1

The work pattern has changed this year.

Debemos salir del esquema tradicional.

C1

We must step outside the traditional framework.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • romper los esquemas – to break the mold / think outside the box
  • esquema de valores – value system

Idioms & Expressions

  • romper los esquemas – To do something very different or revolutionary that changes how people think about a topic.

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: esquema

Question 1 of 3

Which is the correct way to say 'the outline'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
esquemático(schematic/brief) — Adjective
esquematizar(to outline/to sketch) — Verb
esquematización(schematization/outlining) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'skhēma', which meant 'form, shape, or appearance'. It traveled through Latin as 'schema' before becoming the Spanish 'esquema'.

First recorded: 17th Century

Cognates (Related words)

English: schemeFrench: schémaItalian: schema

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'esquema' always masculine?

Yes, it is always 'el esquema'. Never 'la esquema', regardless of the context.

What is the difference between 'esquema' and 'resumen'?

A 'resumen' (summary) is usually a shortened version of a text in paragraph form. An 'esquema' (outline) is structured, often using bullet points, arrows, or visual diagrams.

Can 'esquema' mean a 'plot' or 'conspiracy'?

No. In English, 'scheme' can mean a secret plan or conspiracy, but in Spanish, 'esquema' is almost always positive or neutral (a plan/framework). For a conspiracy, use 'complot' or 'intriga'.