Inklingo
← Dictionary

semilla

/seh-MEE-yah/

seed

A small brown seed resting in rich dark soil with a tiny green sprout beginning to emerge.

A 'semilla' is the physical seed from which a new plant begins to grow.

semilla(noun)

fA1

seed

?

the part of a plant from which a new plant can grow

Also:

pit

?

small seeds found inside fruits like apples or grapes

,

grain

?

sometimes used for small cereal seeds

📝 In Action

Necesitas plantar la semilla en tierra húmeda.

A1

You need to plant the seed in moist soil.

Esta sandía no tiene semillas.

A1

This watermelon doesn't have seeds.

Las semillas de chía son muy saludables.

A2

Chia seeds are very healthy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pepita (pip/small seed)
  • simiente (seed (more formal))

Antonyms

  • fruto (fruit)

Common Collocations

  • semilla de girasol – sunflower seed
  • plantar una semilla – to plant a seed

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Even if you are talking about a masculine plant like 'el manzano' (the apple tree), the word 'semilla' stays feminine. Use 'la' and 'una' with it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Seed vs. Pip

Mistake: "Using 'hueso' for tiny seeds."

Correction: Use 'hueso' (bone) for large pits like avocados or peaches, but 'semilla' or 'pepita' for small ones like apples or lemons.

⭐ Usage Tips

In the Kitchen

When following a recipe, you might see 'semillas de sésamo' (sesame seeds) or 'semillas de calabaza' (pumpkin seeds).

A small glowing golden seed held in a pair of cupped hands, radiating a soft light.

Metaphorically, 'semilla' can represent the seed or origin of a new idea or feeling.

semilla(noun)

fB2

seed

?

the beginning or origin of a feeling or idea

Also:

source

?

the root cause of something

📝 In Action

Ese libro fue la semilla de su curiosidad por la ciencia.

B2

That book was the seed of her curiosity for science.

Sembraron la semilla de la discordia entre los amigos.

C1

They sowed the seed of discord among the friends.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • origen (origin)
  • germen (germ/source)

Idioms & Expressions

  • sembrar la semilla de la duda – to make someone start questioning something

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

Just like in English, you can use 'semilla' to talk about the start of a project, a conflict, or a love story.

⭐ Usage Tips

Pairing with Verbs

This meaning almost always goes with the verb 'sembrar' (to sow) to describe starting or creating an influence.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: semilla

Question 1 of 2

Which word would you use for the large pit in the middle of an avocado?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sembrar(to sow/plant) - verb
semillero(seedbed/hotbed) - noun
semental(stallion/stud) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'semilla' the same as 'pepita'?

Not exactly. 'Semilla' is the general word for any seed. 'Pepita' usually refers to small seeds inside fruits (like apples) or specific edible seeds like pumpkin seeds.

Can 'semilla' be used for humans?

Only in a very poetic or biological sense (referring to offspring or lineage), but it is not common in everyday conversation.