llama
“llama” means “llama” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
llama
📝 In Action
La llama es un animal típico de Perú.
A1The llama is a typical animal from Peru.
Vimos una llama en la montaña.
A2We saw a llama on the mountain.
flame
Also: blaze
📝 In Action
La llama de la vela ilumina la habitación.
A2The flame of the candle lights up the room.
Los bomberos lucharon contra las altas llamas.
B1The firefighters fought against the high flames.
he/she/it calls, you call
Also: is called / his/her name is
📝 In Action
Él llama a su abuela todos los domingos.
A1He calls his grandmother every Sunday.
Mi hermana se llama Sofía.
A1My sister's name is Sofia.
La profesora llama a un estudiante.
A2The teacher calls on a student.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: llama
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'llama' to mean 'flame'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This is a fun one because 'llama' actually comes from three completely different places! The animal 'llama' comes from the Quechua language of the Andes. The 'llama' that means flame comes from the Latin word 'flamma'. And the verb form 'llama' (he/she calls) comes from the Latin word 'clamāre', which meant 'to shout'. It's a total coincidence that they all ended up sounding the same!
First recorded: 12th-16th centuries (depending on the meaning)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which 'llama' someone means?
It's all about context! If you're talking about names or phone calls, it's the verb. If you mention candles or fire, it's a flame. And if you're discussing the Andes or a zoo, it's the furry animal. After a little practice, it becomes second nature!
How is the 'll' in 'llama' pronounced?
Great question! In most of Spain and Latin America, 'll' sounds just like the 'y' in 'yes' (/ya-ma/). In some regions, like Argentina and Uruguay, it has more of a 'sh' sound (/sha-ma/). A long time ago, it had its own unique sound, but that's very rare today. The 'y' sound is your safest bet!