historia
/is-TO-rya/
history
Visualizing the study of past events and ancient civilizations, representing 'history'.
📝 In Action
La historia de Roma es fascinante.
A2The history of Rome is fascinating.
Mi materia favorita en la escuela es historia.
A1My favorite subject in school is history.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember that 'historia' is a feminine word, so you'll always use 'la' or 'una' with it. For example, 'la historia es larga' (the history is long).
Illustrating a narrative or tale being shared, capturing the magic of a story.
historia(Noun)
story
?A narrative, account, or tale, either real or fictional.
tale
?Often for more traditional or imaginative stories.
📝 In Action
¿Me cuentas una historia para dormir?
A2Can you tell me a story to go to sleep?
La película cuenta la historia de un amor imposible.
B1The movie tells the story of an impossible love.
¡Qué buena historia! ¿Es de verdad?
A2What a great story! Is it true?
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Historia' vs. 'Cuento'
Mistake: "Using 'cuento' for a true story or 'historia' for a fairy tale."
Correction: 'Historia' can be a true story (like your life story) or a fictional one. 'Cuento' almost always means a fictional story, like a fairy tale ('cuento de hadas') or a short story.
Representing an excuse, a fib, or an unnecessary complication presented as a complicated 'story' or fuss.
historia(Noun)
story
?An excuse, a fib, or a complicated explanation.
excuse
?An unbelievable reason for something.
,fuss
?Unnecessary complication or trouble.
📝 In Action
No me vengas con historias, sé que no hiciste la tarea.
B2Don't give me that story, I know you didn't do the homework.
Siempre que llega tarde, tiene una historia nueva.
B1Whenever he's late, he has a new story (excuse).
¡Déjate de historias y ayúdame!
C1Stop messing around and help me!
⭐ Usage Tips
Often Plural for 'Excuses'
When talking about excuses or complications, it's very common to use the plural form 'historias'. For example, '¡No quiero oír tus historias!' (I don't want to hear your excuses!).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: historia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'historia' to mean an excuse or a fib?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'historia' and 'cuento'?
Great question! 'Historia' is a very broad word. It can be about real events (like 'the history of Spain') or a personal story that is true or made up. 'Cuento' is almost always a fictional story, like a fairy tale ('cuento de hadas') or a short story you'd read in a book. Think of 'cuento' as a type of 'historia'.
Why is 'historia' feminine?
Most Spanish nouns that end in '-a' are feminine. 'Historia' follows this very common pattern, which makes it a bit easier to remember to use 'la historia' or 'una historia'.