maria
MAH-ree-ah
📝 In Action
El olor a maria era muy fuerte en la calle.
B2The smell of weed was very strong on the street.
Dicen que venden buena maria en ese barrio.
B2They say they sell good marijuana in that neighborhood.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though this word is slang, it is treated as a feminine noun, so you use 'la' before it: 'la maria'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Register
Mistake: "Using 'maria' in formal or official contexts."
Correction: Use 'marihuana' or 'cannabis' instead when speaking with police, doctors, or in official reports, as 'maria' is too casual.
⭐ Usage Tips
Highly Informal
This term is common in informal circles, especially among young people, but avoid it if you are unsure of your audience, as it can be considered rude or overly familiar.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: maria
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'maria'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'maria' the same as the name 'María'?
No. When spelled with a lowercase 'm' (maria), it is almost exclusively used as informal slang for marijuana/cannabis. The proper name for a person is always capitalized: 'María'.
¿Es una palabra ofensiva?
It is not generally considered offensive, but because it is drug slang, it is inappropriate for professional, academic, or formal situations.