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How to Say "systems" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sistemas

sees-TEH-mas/sisˈtemas/

nounB1general
Use 'sistemas' when referring to a general concept of interconnected components, like computer systems, biological systems, or organizational structures.
A simple illustration showing three large, brightly colored gears—red, blue, and yellow—interlocking and functioning as a single system against a plain background.

Examples

Los sistemas informáticos fallaron después de la tormenta.

The computer systems failed after the storm.

Necesitamos mejorar los sistemas de transporte público.

We need to improve the public transportation systems.

Los sistemas biológicos son increíblemente complejos.

Biological systems are incredibly complex.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though sistemas ends in '-as,' it is a masculine plural noun. You must use the masculine plural articles with it: los sistemas, not las sistemas.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La sistemas de la escuela están viejas.”

Correction: Los sistemas de la escuela están viejos. (Remember to match both the article and the adjective to the masculine gender.)

métodos

nounA2general
Use 'métodos' when you mean organized sets of procedures, techniques, or ways of achieving a goal, similar to 'methods' or 'approaches' in English.

Examples

Necesitamos encontrar métodos más eficientes para el trabajo.

We need to find more efficient methods for the job.

Confusing 'Sistemas' and 'Métodos'

The most common mistake is using 'sistemas' when referring to a set of procedures or a way of doing something. Remember, 'métodos' is for the 'how-to' or the steps involved, while 'sistemas' is for the collection of parts that work together.

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