meta
/MEH-tah/
goal
When 'meta' means objective or goal, we can visualize it as a target to aim for.
📝 In Action
Mi meta es hablar español fluidamente este año.
A2My goal is to speak Spanish fluently this year.
Necesitamos establecer metas claras para el proyecto.
B1We need to establish clear objectives for the project.
Lograr esta meta será un gran éxito.
B1Achieving this goal will be a great success.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
'Meta' is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine words like 'la' or 'una' before it, even though it looks like some masculine nouns that end in '-a' (like 'el problema').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Hacer una meta."
Correction: Establecer/Fijar una meta. (Use 'to establish' or 'to set' instead of 'to make' for goals.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Verbs for Success
Use verbs like 'lograr' or 'alcanzar' (to achieve/reach) when describing the successful completion of a goal: 'lograr nuestra meta'.
In the context of a competition, 'meta' refers to the finish line.
📝 In Action
El ciclista aceleró al ver la meta.
A2The cyclist sped up upon seeing the finish line.
Cruzaron la meta casi al mismo tiempo.
B1They crossed the finish line almost at the same time.
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical vs. Abstract
Remember that 'meta' is used for both the abstract goal (Def. 1) and the physical line at the end of a race (Def. 2). Context usually makes the meaning clear!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: meta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'meta' to describe an abstract objective, rather than a physical location?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'meta' related to 'metal' or 'metálico'?
No, despite sounding similar, the words are unrelated. 'Meta' (goal) comes from a Latin word referring to a marker or turning point, while 'metal' comes from a Greek word referring to mines or ores.
Why is 'meta' feminine if it ends in -a?
Most nouns ending in -a are feminine in Spanish, and 'meta' follows this rule. It is not one of the exceptions like 'el clima' or 'el problema'.