Inklingo

moderna

mo-DEHR-nah/moˈðeɾna/

moderna means modern in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

modern, contemporary

Also: new
A sleek, minimalist modern house with large glass windows and a flat roof, illustrating contemporary architecture.

📝 In Action

Esta es la biblioteca más moderna de la ciudad.

A1

This is the most modern library in the city.

La tecnología moderna facilita mucho el trabajo.

A2

Modern technology makes work much easier.

Ella tiene una visión muy moderna de la política.

B1

She has a very contemporary view of politics.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • actual (current)
  • contemporánea (contemporary)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • vida modernamodern life
  • arquitectura modernamodern architecture

fashionable, hip

Also: up-to-date
A young woman wearing stylish, trendy clothes, consisting of wide-leg trousers and a fitted top, illustrating the concept of being fashionable.

📝 In Action

La diseñadora creó una colección muy moderna y atrevida.

B1

The designer created a very fashionable and daring collection.

Ella es muy moderna en su forma de vestir.

B2

She is very stylish in the way she dresses.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • pasada de moda (out of style)

Common Collocations

  • ropa modernamodern clothes
  • actitud modernamodern attitude

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "moderna" in Spanish:

up-to-date

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: moderna

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'moderna' in its primary meaning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
ternaeterna
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Late Latin term *modernus*, which simply meant 'of the present time.' It's built on the Latin root *modo*, meaning 'just now.' Spanish adopted it to contrast things happening now with things from the past.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: modernaFrench: moderneEnglish: modern

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'moderna' and 'nueva'?

'Nueva' means 'new' in terms of age—something recently made or acquired (like a new shirt). 'Moderna' means 'modern' in terms of style or technology—something that reflects current trends or times (like a modern design). A house can be 'moderna' (stylish) but not 'nueva' (recently built).

How do I change 'moderna' to describe a group of things?

To describe a group of feminine things (like 'casas'), you add an -s to make it plural: 'modernas' (e.g., 'Las casas son modernas').