How to Say "language" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “language” is “idioma” — use 'idioma' when referring to a specific, named language as a system of communication, often in a general or academic context.
idioma
ee-dee-OH-mahiˈðjo.ma
Examples
El español es un idioma muy popular en el mundo.
Spanish is a very popular language in the world.
¿Cuántos idiomas puedes hablar con fluidez?
How many languages can you speak fluently?
Ella está aprendiendo el idioma japonés para su viaje.
She is learning the Japanese language for her trip.
The -ma Rule
Even though 'idioma' ends in -a, it is masculine. This is common for words that come from ancient Greek, like 'problema' (problem) and 'tema' (topic). Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
Gender Error
Mistake: “La idioma”
Correction: The word 'idioma' is masculine. Say 'El idioma español es difícil.' (The Spanish language is difficult.)
lengua
LEHN-gwahˈleŋɡwa
Examples
¿Cuántas lenguas extranjeras hablas?
How many foreign languages do you speak?
El español es una lengua muy extendida en el mundo.
Spanish is a very widespread language in the world.
Su lengua materna es el italiano, pero vive en Francia.
His mother tongue is Italian, but he lives in France.
Lengua vs. Idioma
While both mean 'language,' 'idioma' is sometimes preferred for political or institutional language systems, while 'lengua' can refer to the physical organ or the general concept of communication. In most daily use, they are interchangeable.
Mixing up Gender
Mistake: “El lengua”
Correction: La lengua. Remember that 'lengua' is a feminine word, even though it refers to something that sounds like it could be masculine (like 'el idioma').
lenguaje
len-GWA-hehleŋˈɡwa.xe
Examples
El lenguaje es lo que nos diferencia de los animales.
Language is what differentiates us from animals.
El desarrollo del lenguaje en los niños es fascinante.
The development of language in children is fascinating.
Python es un lenguaje de programación muy popular para principiantes.
Python is a very popular programming language for beginners.
Necesitamos un nuevo lenguaje para describir este fenómeno.
We need a new language (system of symbols) to describe this phenomenon.
It's always Masculine
Even though it ends in '-e', 'lenguaje' is always a masculine noun. You must use 'el lenguaje' (the language) and never 'la lenguaje'.
Lenguaje vs. Idioma/Lengua
Mistake: “Using 'lenguaje' to mean a specific language like Spanish.”
Correction: Use 'idioma' or 'lengua' for specific languages. 'Lenguaje' means the general ability to speak or a style of communication. E.g., 'Hablo el idioma español' (I speak the Spanish language).
lenguaje
Examples
Python es un lenguaje de programación muy popular para principiantes.
Python is a very popular programming language for beginners.
Idioma vs. Lenguaje
Related Translations
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