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How to Say "branch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rama

RAH-mah/ˈra.ma/

nounA1, B1general
Use 'rama' for the literal part of a tree or bush, or for a subdivision of a subject like science or a family tree.
A high-quality storybook illustration of a thick brown tree branch extending horizontally, covered in simple green leaves, set against a bright background.

Examples

El pájaro construyó su nido en una rama alta.

The bird built its nest on a high branch.

El mono estaba sentado tranquilamente en una rama gruesa.

The monkey was sitting quietly on a thick branch.

Después de la tormenta, recogimos las ramas caídas del jardín.

After the storm, we collected the fallen branches from the garden.

La botánica es una rama de la biología.

Botany is a branch of biology.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'rama' is a feminine word, so you must use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in -a (e.g., 'la rama alta').

Using 'Branch' for Bank

Mistake: “Using 'rama' when talking about a bank location (e.g., 'rama del banco').”

Correction: For a physical location of a business or bank, use 'sucursal' (e.g., 'la sucursal del banco'). 'Rama' is for abstract divisions.

brazo

BRAH-soh/ˈbɾaθo/

nounB1general
Use 'brazo' to refer to a division or extension of a river, a large organization like a corporation, or a distinct group.
An overhead illustration showing a wide blue river dividing cleanly into two smaller branches or streams.

Examples

Este brazo del río fluye hacia el mar.

This branch of the river flows towards the sea.

Este brazo del río es muy profundo.

This branch of the river is very deep.

El robot tiene un brazo mecánico para levantar objetos pesados.

The robot has a mechanical arm for lifting heavy objects.

El arquitecto diseñó un nuevo brazo para el edificio principal.

The architect designed a new wing (or section) for the main building.

sede

/SAY-day//ˈseðe/

nounB1formal
Use 'sede' when referring to a specific physical location or headquarters of a larger institution or company.
A large, modern building with many glass windows and a prominent entrance, standing as a central hub in a clean city environment.

Examples

La nueva sede del banco se inauguró ayer.

The new headquarters of the bank was inaugurated yesterday.

La sede principal de la empresa está en Madrid.

The company's main headquarters is in Madrid.

Ginebra es la sede de muchas organizaciones internacionales.

Geneva is the seat of many international organizations.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Don't confuse with 'sed'

Mistake: “Tengo sede.”

Correction: Tengo sed.

disciplina

dee-see-PLEE-nah/dis.siˈpli.na/

nounA2academic
Use 'disciplina' for a branch of knowledge, study, or a field of academic learning.
An open academic textbook resting on a desk, surrounded by objects symbolizing different fields of study, including a paintbrush, a simple geometric shape, and a magnifying glass.

Examples

La física es una disciplina fascinante.

Physics is a fascinating discipline.

La historia es una disciplina muy popular en la universidad.

History is a very popular subject at the university.

Hay muchas disciplinas científicas que me interesan.

There are many scientific fields of study that interest me.

El profesor domina varias disciplinas, desde la física hasta la química.

The professor masters several disciplines, from physics to chemistry.

Academic Usage

This meaning is often paired with adjectives like 'académica' (academic) or 'científica' (scientific) to clarify the area of study.

Branching out: Rama vs. Brazo

Learners often confuse 'rama' and 'brazo'. Remember that 'rama' is typically for physical trees or subdivisions of knowledge/family, while 'brazo' refers to extensions of rivers, large organizations, or groups.

Related Translations

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