idea
/ee-DEH-ah/
idea
The image shows a bright lightbulb appearing over someone's head, representing the birth of a new *idea* or concept.
📝 In Action
Tengo una buena idea.
A1I have a good idea.
¿Qué es la idea principal del libro?
A2What is the main idea of the book?
Es una idea brillante para un negocio.
B1It's a brilliant idea for a business.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine: 'la idea'
Even though many words ending in '-ma', '-pa', or '-ta' that come from Greek are masculine (like 'el problema'), 'idea' is an exception and follows the normal rule for words ending in '-a'. So, it's always 'la idea', 'una idea', 'las ideas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: "Vi un documental y me gustó *el idea*."
Correction: Vi un documental y me gustó la idea. Remember, 'idea' is a feminine word, so it uses 'la' and 'una'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing a Sudden Thought
You can say 'Se me ocurrió una idea' which is a very natural way to say 'An idea occurred to me' or 'I just had an idea'.
This clear, structured pathway leading to a goal illustrates *idea* when it means a predetermined plan or intention.
idea(Noun)
📝 In Action
La idea es llegar antes de las ocho.
A2The plan is to arrive before eight.
Mi idea era viajar por Europa este verano.
B1My intention was to travel through Europe this summer.
La idea es que todos participen.
B1The point is for everyone to participate.
💡 Grammar Points
Suggesting Plans with 'La idea es que...'
When you use 'La idea es que...' to talk about a plan for someone else, the next verb often changes into a special form (the subjunctive). For example, 'La idea es que tú vengas' (The plan is for you to come).
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking About Purpose
Use 'con la idea de' followed by a base verb (like 'hablar', 'comer', 'ser') to explain the purpose of an action. 'Llamé con la idea de invitarte' means 'I called with the intention of inviting you'.
The image of a confusing, swirling fog represents *idea* when used to mean a vague notion or impression, often implying a lack of knowledge ('no tengo ni idea').
idea(Noun)
📝 In Action
No tengo ni la más remota idea de lo que hablas.
B1I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Me da la idea de que no está contento.
B2I get the impression that he is not happy.
Para que te hagas una idea, es tan grande como un coche.
B1To give you an idea, it's as big as a car.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Ultimate 'I Don't Know'
The phrase 'No tengo ni idea' is a very common and strong way to say you don't know something. It's more emphatic than just 'No sé'. You can make it even stronger by saying 'No tengo ni la menor idea' (I don't have the slightest idea).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: idea
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence best translates to 'The plan is to eat at the new restaurant'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'idea' feminine ('la idea') but 'problema' is masculine ('el problema')? They both end in '-a'.
That's a fantastic question! Most Spanish words ending in '-a' are feminine. However, a special group of words that Spanish borrowed from Greek, often ending in '-ma', '-pa', or '-ta', are masculine. 'Problema', 'mapa', and 'planeta' are common examples. 'Idea' also comes from Greek, but it's an exception that follows the main '-a' is feminine rule, which makes it a bit tricky but easy to remember once you know!