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sistema

sees-TEH-mah/sisˈtema/

system

Also: framework, method
NounmA2
A simple illustration of a mechanical system showing three large, brightly colored gears meshing perfectly, connected by a pipe to a small, organized box, symbolizing connectivity.

📝 In Action

El sistema solar tiene ocho planetas.

A2

The solar system has eight planets.

Necesitamos mejorar el sistema de transporte público.

B1

We need to improve the public transportation system.

Mi sistema para estudiar es muy efectivo.

A2

My study system is very effective.

El sistema operativo de mi teléfono es muy rápido.

B1

The operating system on my phone is very fast.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • método (method)
  • esquema (scheme, outline)
  • estructura (structure)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • sistema operativo – operating system
  • sistema nervioso – nervous system
  • sistema financiero – financial system
  • sistema educativo – educational system

Idioms & Expressions

  • dentro del sistema – Within the established rules or way of doing things
  • montar un sistema – To set up a complex system or scheme, often with a negative connotation

establishment

Also: the powers that be
NounmB2neutral to formal
Argentina
A massive, smooth, gray, geometric monolith sits atop a hill, overlooking and dominating a small, organized village below, symbolizing abstract power and control.

📝 In Action

La reforma fue rechazada por el sistema.

B2

The reform was rejected by the establishment.

Su música critica al sistema y a sus injusticias.

C1

His music criticizes the establishment and its injustices.

Luchar contra el sistema es una tarea difícil.

B2

Fighting the powers that be is a difficult task.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • el establishment (the establishment)
  • el poder (the power)

Antonyms

  • la disidencia (dissent)
  • el anticontrol (anti-establishment)

Common Collocations

  • luchar contra el sistema – to fight the system
  • crítico con el sistema – critical of the system

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sistema" in Spanish:

establishment→framework→method→system→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sistema

Question 1 of 3

If someone says, 'Tengo mi propio sistema para organizar la semana,' what do they mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
sistemático(systematic) — Adjective
sistemáticamente(systematically) — Adverb
sistematizar(to systematize) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'systema,' which itself came from the Greek 'systēma.' The original Greek word meant 'a whole made of several parts or members.' It's a combination of 'syn-' (meaning 'with' or 'together') and 'histanai' (meaning 'to set' or 'to place'), so the original idea was 'to place together.'

First recorded: Late 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: systemFrench: systèmeItalian: sistemaPortuguese: sistema

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'sistema' always masculine?

Yes! 'Sistema' is a masculine noun, even though it ends in '-a'. This is common for words derived from Greek, like 'el problema' or 'el idioma'.

What's the difference between 'un sistema' and 'el sistema' (the establishment)?

'Un sistema' is a general system, like a computer system or a study method. 'El sistema' (with 'el' and often a critical tone) refers to the established power structure, the government, or the ruling class. The context makes it clear.

How do I make 'sistema' plural?

Just add an '-s' to make it 'los sistemas'. For example, 'los sistemas de transporte' (the transportation systems).