How to Say "discipline" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “discipline” is “disciplina” — use 'disciplina' when referring to self-control, order, or a rigorous approach to tasks.
disciplina
dee-see-PLEE-nahdis.siˈpli.na
Examples
Para ser un buen atleta, se necesita mucha disciplina.
To be a good athlete, you need a lot of discipline.
Ella tiene la disciplina de levantarse a las cinco cada mañana.
She has the self-control to get up at five every morning.
La falta de disciplina es un obstáculo para el éxito.
Lack of discipline is an obstacle to success.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'disciplina' is always a feminine word, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “El disciplina”
Correction: La disciplina. Always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with this word.
materia
mah-TEH-reeahmaˈteɾja
Examples
Mi materia favorita en el colegio era biología.
My favorite subject in school was biology.
Tienes que aprobar cinco materias para graduarte.
You have to pass five courses to graduate.
Always Feminine
'Materia' is a feminine word, so you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la materia', 'materia difícil').
modalidad
mo-dah-lee-DAHDmo.ða.liˈðað
Examples
Ella compite en la modalidad de natación sincronizada.
She competes in the synchronized swimming discipline.
El examen varía según la modalidad de bachillerato.
The exam varies according to the high school track.
En esta modalidad deportiva, la velocidad es clave.
In this sporting category, speed is key.
Use with 'de'
When identifying a specific type, we usually follow 'modalidad' with the word 'de' (modalidad de + noun).
Direct translation from 'discipline'
Mistake: “disciplina de natación”
Correction: modalidad de natación (while 'disciplina' works, 'modalidad' is often more natural for specific competition types).
Choosing the right Spanish word
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