Inklingo

How to Say "environment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “environment” is “medio ambiente” — use 'medio ambiente' when referring to the natural world, ecological systems, or the planet as a whole.

medio ambienteB1

Use 'medio ambiente' when referring to the natural world, ecological systems, or the planet as a whole.

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entorno🔊B1

Use 'entorno' to describe the general conditions, surroundings, or setting of a person, place, or thing, often with a social or personal connotation.

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ambiente🔊B1

Use 'ambiente' to describe the general atmosphere or mood of a place, like a room or a social gathering, or the natural world in a more general sense.

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ecosistema🔊A2

Use 'ecosistema' specifically when referring to a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

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hábitatB1

Use 'hábitat' to refer to the natural home or environment where a particular species of animal or plant lives.

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ámbitoB1

Use 'ámbito' to refer to a particular area of activity, knowledge, or social influence, similar to 'field' or 'sphere'.

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clima🔊B1

Use 'clima' to describe the prevailing social or political atmosphere, or the general mood of a workplace.

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medio🔊A2

Use 'medio' primarily within the fixed phrase 'medio ambiente' to mean 'environment'; on its own, it usually means 'means' or 'medium'.

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English → Spanish

medio ambiente

nounB1general
Use 'medio ambiente' when referring to the natural world, ecological systems, or the planet as a whole.

Examples

Necesitamos cuidar el medio ambiente para el futuro.

We need to take care of the environment for the future.

entorno

en-TOR-noenˈtoɾno

nounB1general
Use 'entorno' to describe the general conditions, surroundings, or setting of a person, place, or thing, often with a social or personal connotation.
A lush green forest with a clear blue stream and a small deer standing peacefully.

Examples

Es importante crecer en un entorno seguro.

It is important to grow up in a safe environment.

El entorno laboral es muy colaborativo en esta oficina.

The work environment is very collaborative in this office.

Debemos proteger nuestro entorno natural.

We must protect our natural surroundings.

Masculine Gender

This word is masculine. Even though it ends in 'o', remember to use 'el' or 'un' (e.g., el entorno, un entorno).

Entorno vs. Medio Ambiente

Mistake: “Using 'entorno' when talking specifically about ecology or 'nature' as a global concept.”

Correction: Use 'medio ambiente' for the planet/nature in general, and 'entorno' for the specific area or social circle surrounding you.

ambiente

ahm-BEE-ehn-tehamˈbjente

nounB1general
Use 'ambiente' to describe the general atmosphere or mood of a place, like a room or a social gathering, or the natural world in a more general sense.
A lush, green forest scene with sunlight filtering through the canopy, representing a natural environment.

Examples

El restaurante tiene un ambiente muy acogedor.

The restaurant has a very cozy atmosphere.

Necesitamos cuidar el medio ambiente para el futuro.

We need to take care of the environment for the future. (Note: 'medio ambiente' is the standard phrase for 'the environment' in Spanish.)

El ambiente de la selva es húmedo y cálido.

The jungle environment is humid and warm.

Este tipo de pez vive en un ambiente de agua salada.

This type of fish lives in a saltwater environment.

Ecological Use

When talking about the natural world or ecology, Spanish almost always uses the two-word phrase 'medio ambiente' (literally 'middle environment'), not just 'ambiente'.

ecosistema

eh-koh-sees-TEH-mahekosisˈtema

nounA2scientific/general
Use 'ecosistema' specifically when referring to a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
A vibrant pond ecosystem showing fish, lily pads, a frog, and a dragonfly in a balanced natural environment.

Examples

El arrecife de coral es un ecosistema muy frágil.

The coral reef is a very fragile ecosystem.

Debemos proteger los ecosistemas locales para salvar a los animales.

We must protect local ecosystems to save the animals.

La introducción de especies invasoras puede destruir un ecosistema entero.

The introduction of invasive species can destroy an entire ecosystem.

The 'Ma' Rule

Even though this word ends in '-a', it is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, not 'la' or 'una'.

Plural Form

To make it plural, just add an 's' at the end: 'los ecosistemas'.

Gender Error

Mistake: “la ecosistema”

Correction: el ecosistema because many words ending in -ma that come from Greek are masculine.

hábitat

nounB1biological/general
Use 'hábitat' to refer to the natural home or environment where a particular species of animal or plant lives.

Examples

El león está en su hábitat.

The lion is in its habitat.

ámbito

nounB1formal/general
Use 'ámbito' to refer to a particular area of activity, knowledge, or social influence, similar to 'field' or 'sphere'.

Examples

Ella es una experta en el ámbito de la medicina.

She is an expert in the field of medicine.

clima

KLEE-mahˈkli.ma

nounB1general
Use 'clima' to describe the prevailing social or political atmosphere, or the general mood of a workplace.
A storybook drawing showing two people smiling and talking, surrounded by soft, warm, glowing yellow light that illustrates a friendly and pleasant atmosphere.

Examples

Hay un clima de tensión en la sala de reuniones.

There is an atmosphere of tension in the meeting room.

El nuevo gerente ha mejorado mucho el clima laboral.

The new manager has greatly improved the work environment (or 'workplace atmosphere').

El clima político del país está muy dividido.

The political mood (or 'climate') of the country is very divided.

Figurative Use

Here, 'clima' is used figuratively, meaning the 'feeling' or 'mood' of a situation, similar to how we might say 'political climate' in English.

medio

me-dyoˈme.ðjo

nounA2general
Use 'medio' primarily within the fixed phrase 'medio ambiente' to mean 'environment'; on its own, it usually means 'means' or 'medium'.
A friendly, colorful cartoon train traveling along tracks, representing a 'means of transport'.

Examples

El tren es mi medio de transporte favorito.

The train is my favorite means of transport.

Los medios de comunicación tienen mucha influencia.

The media has a lot of influence.

Debemos proteger el medio ambiente.

We must protect the environment.

Natural World vs. Atmosphere

The most common confusion is between 'medio ambiente' (natural world) and 'ambiente' (atmosphere/mood). Remember that 'medio ambiente' is the standard term for the ecological environment, while 'ambiente' describes the feel of a place or situation.

Related Translations

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