meta
“meta” means “goal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
goal, objective
Also: target, aim
📝 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.
finish line
Also: goal 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.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: meta
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'meta' to describe an abstract objective, rather than a physical location?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin 'meta,' which originally meant a cone or pyramid. In Roman chariot races, the 'metae' were the turning posts at the ends of the track. Over time, the meaning shifted from the physical marker to the objective or destination itself, giving us the modern Spanish meaning of 'goal' or 'finish line.'
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.