Learn About Nouns in Spanish
This page provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using nouns in Spanish. Includes examples and exercises.
leche
milk
'Leche' translates to 'milk' in English. From a glass of warm milk for breakfast to the use in different recipes, milk is an everyday item in Spanish-speaking cultures.
Example sentences with leche →lentejas
lentils
The Spanish word 'lentejas' refers to a kind of legume that is often used in various dishes. This legume is known as 'lentils' in English. Lentils are small, flat and usually have a green or brown color. They are high in protein and fiber, making them a staple in many diets around the world, including Spain. Lentils are used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.
león
lion
The lion is a species in the family Felidae and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognisable for its muscular, deep-chested body, short, rounded head, round ears, and a hairy tuft at the end of its tail.
Example sentences with león →levantar
raise
In Spanish, 'levantar' signifies the English word 'raise'. It is widely used in various contexts like picking up something from a surface, waking up from sleep, or even increasing the level or amount of something. For instance, 'levantar la mano' symbolizes to raise your hand.
Example sentences with levantar →liberar
release
The Spanish word 'liberar' is used similarly to the English 'release'. The word can be used to refer to situations where something or someone is set free or allowed to go. For instance, an animal might be 'liberado' into the wild, or a prisoner might be 'liberado' from jail. It can also mean to relieve or rid of something, such as stress or a burden.
Example sentences with liberar →libro
book
'Libro' is a noun in Spanish that means book. This can refer to a set of pages bound together containing text or illustrations.
Example sentences with libro →líder
leader
The Spanish translation for leader is 'líder'. It is used similarly in both Spanish and English to denote a person who leads a group, team, or organization. It can apply to various contexts, ranging from a team leader in sports, a leader in a business organization, to a political leader.
Example sentences with líder →liga
league
The Spanish word 'liga' translates to 'league' in English. In most contexts, it is used to refer to a group or a series of teams that compete against each other in a sport. For example, La Liga is a popular Spanish football league. The word can also refer to a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially in political or business matters. Thus, 'liga' can be used in various contexts and its meaning can slightly change based on that.
limón
lemon
A lemon is a citrus fruit known for its sour taste. It’s oval and often yellow, with a thick rind. It’s commonly used in cooking, baking, and also for its juice.
Example sentences with limón →lista
list
In Spanish, 'list' is translated as 'lista'. 'Lista' is a feminine noun in Spanish and is often used to denote an enumeration or series of things or tasks to be checked or consulted, such as 'Hacer una lista de compras' which means 'Making a shopping list'. Similar to its English counterpart, it can be used in various contexts.
Example sentences with lista →llenar
fill
The Spanish word 'llenar' corresponds to the English word 'fill'. It is frequently used when referring to the act of filling a physical object like a glass, a form, or a space. For example, 'Necesito llenar este formulario' which means 'I need to fill this form'. It can also be used in a figurative sense, as in filling someone with joy or filling a requirement.
Example sentences with llenar →llenar(se) de satisfacción
satisfaction
The Spanish term 'llenar(se) de satisfacción' can be translated into English as 'to feel or to be filled with satisfaction'. It denotes the feeling of contentment or fulfillment experienced after successfully completing a task, or achieving a desired outcome or goal.
llevar
carry
The Spanish word 'llevar' can be used in a variety of ways, similar to the English word 'carry'. It can be used to indicate holding or moving something from one place to another, for example, 'Voy a llevar estas maletas al carro' translates to 'I'm going to carry these suitcases to the car'. However, it can also be used in a broader sense to indicate taking or bringing someone somewhere, like 'Mi papá me lleva a la escuela' ('My dad takes me to school').
Example sentences with llevar →local
local
The word 'local' in Spanish retains the same spelling as its English equivalent - 'local'. However, pronunciation differs slightly. It is used in contexts referencing local regions or establishments, such as 'tienda local' (local shop). It can also mean 'local' in the context of 'local news', translated as 'noticias locales'. As always, usage is highly dependent on context.
Example sentences with local →longitud
length
The Spanish word 'longitud' translates to 'length' in English. This term is often used in measurements, it can be referred to the measurement of an object from one end to the other end. The term 'longitud' can be found in various contexts such as mathematics, physics, and everyday conversation to describe the measurement of an object, distance or a period of time.
Example sentences with longitud →Los hijos
The children
In Spanish, 'los hijos' means 'the children', and it represents any person who is under the age of adulthood. A child commonly refers to a son or daughter at any age. Children are considered great blessings in Spanish cultures.
Example sentences with Los hijos →Los tíos
The aunts and uncles
'Los tíos' directly translates to 'the aunts and uncles' in English. Spanish cultures maintain a strong emphasis on the extended family, often including aunts and uncles in family gatherings and important occasions.
Example sentences with Los tíos →lugar
place
The Spanish word 'lugar' is used to describe a place or location. It can be used in various sentences and contexts for example, '¿Dónde está el lugar?' translates to 'Where is the place?'. It is also used in phrases like 'en primer lugar' which means 'in the first place'. As with English, 'lugar' can refer to a physical location or a conceptual one.
Example sentences with lugar →luna
moon
'Luna' is the Spanish noun for moon. The moon is the natural satellite of the earth, visible at night by reflected light from the sun.
Example sentences with luna →luz
light
In Spanish, the word for 'light' is 'luz'. In most contexts, it is used to indicate the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. However, it is also sometimes used metaphorically to refer to enlightenment or understanding. Just as in English, it can also refer to the device which produces illumination.
Example sentences with luz →maceta
flowerpot
The Spanish word 'maceta' translates directly to 'flowerpot' in English. It is a container in which flowers and other plants are cultivated and displayed. Traditionally, flowerpots were made from terracotta, but they can now be made from a variety of materials including plastic, metal, wood, stone, and even sometimes biodegradable material. You will typically find them in homes, patios, gardens and other outdoor spaces.
Example sentences with maceta →madre
mother
The Spanish word for 'mother' is 'madre'. It is generally used to refer to one's female parent. Similar to its usage in English, 'madre' can also be used in a broader sense to refer to a woman who has given birth or who has responsibility for the care of children. It is commonly used in various phrases and idioms.
Example sentences with madre →Mae
Dude
'Mae' is a common term in Costa Rica used informally to refer to a friend, similar to 'dude' or 'mate' in English.
Example sentences with Mae →maestro
teacher
A 'maestro' refers to a person who teaches, particularly in a school. The term is gender neutral.
Example sentences with maestro →magdalena
muffin
The Spanish word 'magdalena' translates to the English word 'muffin'. These are small baked goods that can be sweet or savory. They are similar to cupcakes in size and cooking methods, and typically are served for breakfast. However, 'magdalena' typically refers to a sweet variety of muffin.
maleta
suitcase
The term 'maleta' means 'suitcase' in English. People use it when they need a storage medium to carry their clothes and other belongings while traveling.
Example sentences with maleta →mamá
mom
The Spanish word 'mamá' translates to the English word 'mom'. It is a common and informal term used by people, especially children, to address or refer to their mother. It is similar in usage to other words such as 'mother' or 'mum' in English. The use of 'mamá' tends to connote a sense of warmth, familiarity, and affection. This word is part of standard Spanish vocabulary and is widely used in all Spanish speaking countries.
mañana
morning
The Spanish word 'mañana' is used to refer to the period of time from sunrise to noon, similar to how 'morning' is used in English. It is also commonly used in greetings such as 'Buenos días' which means 'Good morning'. However, the term 'mañana' can also mean 'tomorrow' depending on the usage and context, highlighting the flexibility of Spanish vocabulary.
Example sentences with mañana →manantial
spring
The Spanish word 'manantial' translates to 'spring' in English. This can refer to the season following winter, known for the blossom of flowers and mild weather. However, in its primary definition, 'manantial' is used to refer to a place where water or other liquid collects or issues naturally out of the ground; essentially a source or origin of a stream or river. The term is not used to refer to the elastic device that can change shape under pressure and then come back to its original shape when the pressure is removed, which is another meaning of 'spring' in English.
Example sentences with manantial →mandar por correo
mail
The Spanish phrase 'mandar por correo' is translated into English as 'mail'. This term is often used to denote the system for sending letters and packages from one place to another. In a broader context, it can also refer to the act of sending electronic letters or messages through the internet. The term can be used both as a noun and a verb in a sentence. For instance, when used as a verb, it may imply the act of sending something, usually a letter or package, through the mail service.