maya
“maya” means “Mayan” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Mayan
📝 In Action
Visitamos una pirámide maya en nuestras vacaciones.
A2We visited a Mayan pyramid on our vacation.
El calendario maya es muy complejo y preciso.
B1The Mayan calendar is very complex and precise.
La civilización maya destacó en la astronomía.
B2The Mayan civilization excelled in astronomy.
Mayan
Also: Maya
📝 In Action
Mi abuela habla maya fluidamente.
B1My grandmother speaks Mayan fluently.
Aprendí algunas palabras en maya durante el viaje.
B2I learned some words in Mayan during the trip.
El maya yucateco es una de las lenguas más habladas en México.
C1Yucatec Maya is one of the most spoken languages in Mexico.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maya
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct way to describe a Mayan city?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Yucatec Maya word 'Maaya', which was the self-designation used by the people of the Yucatan peninsula.
First recorded: 16th century (in Spanish chronicles)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it 'maya' or 'malla'?
If you are talking about the ancient civilization or the language, use 'maya'. If you are talking about a mesh fence, a hairnet, or a swimsuit (in some countries), use 'malla'.
Do I need to capitalize 'maya' in Spanish?
No. Unlike English, Spanish does not capitalize adjectives of nationality or names of languages unless they start a sentence.
Why don't I say 'una cultura mayo'?
'Mayo' is the word for the month of May. 'Maya' is the specific word for the people and culture of the Maya region.