suma
“suma” means “sum” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sum, amount
Also: gist
📝 In Action
Necesito calcular la suma de todos estos gastos.
A2I need to calculate the sum of all these expenses.
La suma total es demasiado alta para mí.
B1The total amount is too high for me.
Dos más dos es una suma muy sencilla.
A1Two plus two is a very simple addition.
adds
Also: add!
📝 In Action
Mi calculadora suma muy rápido.
A1My calculator adds very quickly.
El profesor nos dice: 'Suma estos puntos para ver tu nota'.
A2The professor tells us: 'Add these points to see your grade.' (command)
El esfuerzo de todos suma al resultado final.
B1Everyone's effort adds to the final result.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: suma
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'suma' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *summa*, which meant 'highest point' or 'chief thing.' This evolved to mean 'the total' because adding things together reaches a final, culminating point.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
How do I know if 'suma' means 'sum' (noun) or 'adds' (verb)?
Look at the words around it. If it follows an article like 'la' or 'una' (La suma, Una suma), it is the noun. If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted' (Él suma, Ella suma), it is the verb. If it's at the start of a sentence telling someone what to do (¡Suma!), it's a command.