How to Say "premise" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “premise” is “premisa” — use 'premisa' for the fundamental idea or concept behind a movie, book, or general idea, or for a foundational statement in a logical argument..
premisa
/pre-MEE-sah//pɾeˈmisa/
Examples
La película tiene una premisa muy original.
The movie has a very original premise.
Partimos de la premisa de que todos quieren colaborar.
We are starting from the assumption that everyone wants to collaborate.
Es una premisa equivocada que llevará al fracaso.
It is a wrong premise that will lead to failure.
Si las premisas son verdaderas, la conclusión debe serlo también.
If the premises are true, the conclusion must be as well.
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in 'a', it doesn't change. It is always 'la premisa' or 'unas premisas' regardless of the context.
Describing Premisa
When you use an adjective to describe it, the adjective must also be feminine, like 'premisa falsa' (false premise).
Logic Context
In formal logic, 'premisas' are the building blocks you use before you say 'por lo tanto' (therefore).
The 'Premises' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'premisa' to talk about a physical building.”
Correction: Use 'local' or 'instalaciones'. 'Premisa' is only for ideas or logic.
planteamiento
/plan-te-ah-myen-toh//planteaˈmjento/
Examples
El planteamiento de la novela es fascinante, pero el final es flojo.
The premise of the novel is fascinating, but the ending is weak.
En el planteamiento, conocemos a los protagonistas.
In the introduction/exposition, we meet the main characters.
Tu planteamiento teórico es sólido.
Your theoretical premise is solid.
The 'Story' Structure
Spanish speakers use this word specifically to talk about the first act of a movie or book. It is the part where you 'set the stage.'
Confusing with 'Plot'
Mistake: “El planteamiento es muy largo.”
Correction: La trama es muy larga.
tesis
/TEH-sees//ˈtesis/
Examples
La tesis principal del autor es que la tecnología nos aleja.
The author's main argument is that technology pulls us apart.
Sus planteamientos refuerzan la tesis de la evolución.
His explanations reinforce the theory of evolution.
Es difícil refutar una tesis tan bien fundamentada.
It is difficult to refute such a well-founded premise.
Abstract vs. Physical
In this context, 'tesis' refers to an idea or a thought, not a physical stack of papers.
Premisa vs. Planteamiento
Related Translations
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