Inklingo

How to Say "subjects" in Spanish

English → Spanish

temas

TEH-mahs/ˈte.mas/

nounA1general
Use 'temas' when referring to academic subjects, areas of study, or topics of discussion.
A collection of objects representing different subjects of discussion: a small globe, a simplified drawing of a heart, and a stack of colorful books, all resting on a wooden table.

Examples

Necesitamos discutir los temas más importantes de la agenda.

We need to discuss the most important topics on the agenda.

El libro aborda temas complejos como la migración y la identidad.

The book addresses complex themes like migration and identity.

Hay muchos temas que me interesan en esa conferencia.

There are many subjects that interest me at that conference.

Masculine Noun Ending in -a

Even though 'tema' ends in -a, it is a masculine word. Remember to use masculine articles and adjectives: 'los temas' and 'temas importantes', not 'las temas'.

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: “La temas son difíciles.”

Correction: Los temas son difíciles. (Use 'los' because 'tema' is masculine.)

sujetos

soo-HEH-tohs/suˈxetos/

nounB1general
Use 'sujetos' when referring to the individuals who are being studied, observed, or are participants in an experiment or research.
Three stylized, simple figures standing on a low platform under a bright spotlight, representing subjects of a study or experiment.

Examples

Los sujetos de la investigación deben firmar este formulario.

The subjects of the investigation must sign this form.

Había dos sujetos sospechosos merodeando por la calle.

There were two suspicious characters loitering on the street.

Los sujetos activos en la economía son los consumidores y las empresas.

The active parties in the economy are consumers and businesses.

Masculine Plural Noun

This word is the plural form of 'sujeto' (a person or subject). Use it to refer to multiple people, especially in official language.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Using 'estos sujetos están sujetos' to mean 'these people are held' (redundancy).”

Correction: While grammatically correct, it sounds repetitive. Try 'Estas personas están atadas' (These people are tied/held).

casos

KAH-sohs/ˈkasos/

nounB2legal, formal
Use 'casos' when referring to specific instances, situations, or legal matters that are being handled or are under consideration.
A simple illustration of a large, wooden judge's gavel resting next to a thick, closed red law book on a polished wooden desk.

Examples

Los abogados están manejando varios casos de fraude.

The lawyers are handling several cases of fraud.

El hospital reportó cinco nuevos casos de la enfermedad.

The hospital reported five new cases of the illness.

Formal Context

When used formally, 'casos' implies a serious investigation or formal record, especially when discussing law, medicine, or science.

Subjects vs. Topics

The most common mistake is confusing 'sujetos' (people being studied) with 'temas' (areas of study). Remember that 'sujetos' refers to the individuals involved, while 'temas' refers to the subject matter itself.

Related Translations

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