idioma
“idioma” means “language” in Spanish (system of communication used by a community).
language
Also: tongue
📝 In Action
El español es un idioma muy popular en el mundo.
A1Spanish is a very popular language in the world.
¿Cuántos idiomas puedes hablar con fluidez?
A2How many languages can you speak fluently?
Ella está aprendiendo el idioma japonés para su viaje.
A1She is learning the Japanese language for her trip.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: idioma
Question 1 of 2
Which article (the word for 'the') must be used before 'idioma'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the ancient Greek word *idioma* (ἴδίωμα), which originally meant 'a specific personal characteristic' or 'peculiar phraseology.' It traveled through Latin and evolved to specifically mean the unique language belonging to a group of people.
First recorded: 14th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
What is the difference between 'idioma' and 'lengua'?
'Idioma' and 'lengua' both mean 'language' and are often interchangeable. 'Idioma' is generally the more common and neutral choice in everyday speech. 'Lengua' can also refer specifically to the physical tongue in your mouth, or it might be preferred in more formal, academic, or governmental contexts (like 'lengua oficial').
Why is 'idioma' masculine if it ends in 'a'?
This is a great question! 'Idioma' is a remnant of ancient Greek. Many Spanish nouns that entered the language from Greek that end in -ma (like 'clima,' 'planeta,' 'tema') kept their original masculine gender, overriding the common Spanish rule that -a endings usually mean feminine.