Inklingo

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 strict code of conduct, often related to personal habits or professional behavior..

English → Spanish

disciplina

dee-see-PLEE-nah/dis.siˈpli.na/

nounB1general
Use 'disciplina' when referring to self-control, order, or a strict code of conduct, often related to personal habits or professional behavior.
A focused child carefully stacking colorful building blocks into a perfectly straight, tall tower on a clean wooden floor, symbolizing order and self-control.

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-reeah//maˈteɾja/

nounA2academic
Use 'materia' specifically when talking about a subject or field of study taught in school or university.
A student sitting at a desk with an open book, surrounded by objects representing different academic subjects: a globe, a beaker, and a paint palette.

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').

Disciplina vs. Materia

The most common mistake is using 'disciplina' when you actually mean a school subject. Remember, 'disciplina' is about self-control or rigor, while 'materia' is specifically for academic subjects.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.