Inklingo

ideas

ee-DEH-ahs/iˈðeas/

ideas means ideas in Spanish (general concepts or thoughts).

ideas, thoughts

Also: suggestions, plans
NounfA1
Spain (Informal)
A brightly colored illustration showing a thoughtful person sitting down, surrounded by multiple glowing lightbulbs floating above their head, symbolizing many new ideas.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos nuevas ideas para el proyecto.

A1

We need new ideas for the project.

¿Tienes ideas sobre dónde comer?

A2

Do you have any ideas about where to eat?

Sus ideas políticas son muy conservadoras.

B1

His political ideas (beliefs) are very conservative.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • intercambiar ideasto exchange ideas
  • buenas ideasgood ideas
  • falta de ideaslack of ideas

Idioms & Expressions

  • tener ideas de bomberoto have crazy or silly ideas (literally: fireman's ideas)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ideas" in Spanish:

ideasplanssuggestionsthoughts

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ideas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the adjective agreement with 'ideas'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
mareaslíneas
📚 Etymology

The Spanish word 'idea' comes directly from the Latin word *idea*, which itself originated in ancient Greek (*idéa*), meaning 'form,' 'pattern,' or 'appearance.' It has always been connected to mental concepts.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (around the 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

English: ideaPortuguese: ideiasFrench: idées

💡 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

Why is 'ideas' feminine when some Spanish nouns ending in '-a' (like 'mapa') are masculine?

Most Spanish nouns ending in '-a' are feminine, and 'idea' follows this general rule. The few exceptions, like 'mapa' or 'tema', are usually words that came directly from Greek nouns ending in '-ma' or '-pa'.

Can 'ideas' mean 'opinions' or 'beliefs'?

Yes, absolutely! When talking about political, social, or personal views, 'ideas' is a very common way to express 'opinions' or 'beliefs,' as in: 'Sus ideas son progresistas' (His opinions are progressive).