How to Say "weed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “weed” is “hierba” — use 'hierba' when referring to an unwanted plant growing in a garden or unwanted vegetation in general. It can also refer to marijuana, particularly in a legal or commercial context..
hierba
/YAIR-bah//ˈjeɾ.βa/
Examples
Hay que quitar esta hierba del jardín antes de que crezca más.
We need to remove this weed from the garden before it grows more.
Esta hierba es muy buena para hacer té digestivo.
This herb is very good for making digestive tea.
Compramos hierbas aromáticas para condimentar la carne.
We bought aromatic herbs to season the meat.
Dicen que van a legalizar la venta de hierba en el estado vecino.
They say they are going to legalize the sale of weed in the neighboring state.
Plural Use
When talking about different types of herbs (like basil, thyme, etc.), use the plural form 'hierbas'.
marihuana
mah-ree-WHAH-nah/ma.ɾiˈwa.na/
Examples
El doctor le recetó marihuana para aliviar sus náuseas.
The doctor prescribed him marijuana to alleviate his nausea.
La marihuana medicinal se usa para tratar el dolor crónico.
Medical marijuana is used to treat chronic pain.
El cultivo de marihuana es legal en algunos estados.
The cultivation of cannabis is legal in some states.
Prefiero no hablar de marihuana en la oficina.
I prefer not to talk about marijuana in the office.
Always Feminine
Even though it refers to a plant or substance, 'marihuana' is always a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it.
Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “Writing 'marijuana' (with a 'j').”
Correction: The most common and accepted spelling in standard Spanish is 'marihuana' (with an 'h'), even though the 'j' spelling is standard in English.
maria
MAH-ree-ah/ˈmaɾja/
Examples
Se sentía un poco mareado después de fumar maría.
He felt a little dizzy after smoking weed.
El olor a maria era muy fuerte en la calle.
The smell of weed was very strong on the street.
Dicen que venden buena maria en ese barrio.
They say they sell good marijuana in that neighborhood.
Always Feminine
Even though this word is slang, it is treated as a feminine noun, so you use 'la' before it: 'la maria'.
Confusing Register
Mistake: “Using 'maria' in formal or official contexts.”
Correction: Use 'marihuana' or 'cannabis' instead when speaking with police, doctors, or in official reports, as 'maria' is too casual.
Hierba vs. Marihuana
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