suma
/SOO-mah/
sum
The total number of items is the ísuma (sum).
suma(noun)
sum
?mathematics, total
,amount
?money, quantity
gist
?figurative: 'in suma' (in short)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though it ends in '-a,' the word 'suma' is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la suma' or 'una suma'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Math vs. Money
Use 'suma' when talking about the result of addition (2+2=4). Use 'cantidad' or 'monto' more often when referring to a specific amount of money.
The bear ísuma (adds) the block to the tower.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Uses of 'Suma'
'Suma' is used for 'he/she/it adds' (Present Tense) and also for the informal command 'Add!' (when talking to 'tú').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Verb and Noun
Mistake: "Using 'el suma' when referring to the total."
Correction: Remember the noun is feminine: 'la suma' (the total). The verb form 'suma' is masculine/feminine neutral: 'él suma' (he adds).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: suma
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'suma' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
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.