Inklingo

How to Say "language" in Spanish

English → Spanish

idioma

ee-dee-OH-mah/iˈðjo.ma/

nounA1general
Use 'idioma' when referring to a specific language like Spanish, English, or French, often in the context of learning or speaking it.
A simple illustration showing two colorful human figures facing each other, connected by a brightly colored, flowing line symbolizing communication.

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.)

lenguaje

len-GWA-heh/leŋˈɡwa.xe/

nounA1general
Use 'lenguaje' to talk about language in a general, abstract sense, such as the human capacity for communication, or to refer to specialized forms like programming languages.
Two simplified human figures communicating face-to-face, indicated by colorful abstract sound waves flowing between them.

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

nounB2technical
Use 'lenguaje' specifically when referring to a programming language.

Examples

Python es un lenguaje de programación muy popular para principiantes.

Python is a very popular programming language for beginners.

Idioma vs. Lenguaje

The most common mistake is using 'lenguaje' when you mean a specific language like Spanish or English. Remember, 'idioma' refers to a particular language, while 'lenguaje' is more general or technical.

Related Translations

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