Learn About Nouns in Spanish
This page provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using nouns in Spanish. Includes examples and exercises.
Mango
Mango
A tropical fruit that is known for its flavor, fragrance, taste, and heath promoting qualities. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and D.
Example sentences with Mango →mano
hand
In Spanish, 'mano' refers to the end part of a person's arm which includes the fingers and thumb. Just as in English, it can be used in various contexts and phrases e.g. 'Dame tu mano' which means 'Give me your hand'. It's a feminine noun despite ending in 'o' which is atypical as most Spanish words ending in 'o' are masculine.
Example sentences with mano →mantener
keep
The Spanish word 'mantener' stands for 'keep' in English. It refers to a variety of actions depending on the context, including to keep doing something (mantener haciendo algo), to keep something in a particular state or condition (mantener algo en un estado o condición) or to support oneself (mantenerse). It is a regular verb in Spanish, and so follows the regular conjugation rules.
Example sentences with mantener →mantenimiento
maintenance
The word 'mantenimiento' is a Spanish term commonly used to refer to 'maintenance' in English. It is usually utilized in various contexts like vehicle maintenance, system maintenance, software maintenance, etc. In most cases, it pertains to the process of preserving, keeping, or sustaining something in its original or existing state, making sure it performs its functions efficiently. Just like the term 'maintenance' in English, it has broad usage extending beyond a single domain, and can be used essentially for any language need requiring the concept of upkeep or preservation.
mantequilla
butter
The Spanish word 'mantequilla' translates to 'butter' in English. This is a noun typically used to refer to a yellowish or whitish emulsion of butterfat, water, and air, churned from milk or cream and used in cooking or as a spread or topping. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it's frequently used in various recipes or served with bread.
manzana
apple
'Manzana' is the Spanish word for 'apple'. It's a significant term in Spanish, as apples constitute a common and popular fruit in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Example sentences with manzana →mapa
map
The Spanish word 'mapa' translates to 'map' in English. It is a noun that refers to a representation, usually on a flat surface, of the whole or a part of an area. It can show geographical features, roads, cities, etc. It is often used for navigation or for referencing particular places or regions. So, when you say 'mapa' in Spanish, you are referring to a similar concept of a visual depiction of an area.
mar
sea
The Spanish word 'mar' translates to 'sea' in English. It is a common term used to indicate the large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface. 'Mar' is a noun and it can be used in various contexts including geographical discussions, travel descriptions, literature, and more. It's a singular masculine noun in Spanish, so you'd use 'el' (the) with it; 'el mar' means 'the sea'. Remember, the pronunciation is important in Spanish language, 'mar' is pronounced as 'mar' in Spanish.
Example sentences with mar →maravilla
wonder
The Spanish word 'maravilla' is generally used to express admiration or surprise towards something beautiful or spectacular. It can be used in a variety of contexts just like 'wonder' in English is used to express similar feelings. For example, you can 'maravilla' to describe a beautiful piece of scenery, an impressive achievement, or a surprising piece of news.
Example sentences with maravilla →margarita
daisy
The Spanish word 'margarita' translates to 'daisy' in English. The term is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to the daisy flower, known for its white petals and prominent yellow center. The word 'margarita' plays a crucial role in gardening terminology and flower classification in Spanish language, and it is also a popular female name. Interestingly, 'Margarita' also refers to a well-known cocktail made primarily of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served with salt on the rim of the glass.
Example sentences with margarita →marinero
sailor
The word 'marinero' is a Spanish noun that translates to 'sailor' in English. It is typically used to refer to someone who works on board a sea vessel. 'Marinero' comes from the Spanish word 'mar', which means 'sea', emphasizing the connection of the sailor to the sea. This term can be used in various contexts, whether literal, as in the occupation, or metaphorical, as in someone who likes to navigate through different situations.
Example sentences with marinero →marisco
seafood
The word 'marisco' in Spanish translates to 'seafood' in English. This term is used to describe various kinds of ocean life that are consumed as food. This includes shellfish, crustaceans, and fish. Popular types of 'mariscos' include shrimp ('gambas'), lobster ('langosta'), and clams ('almejas'). This is a common word used in culinary contexts, particularly relevant in coastal regions where seafood is a staple part of the diet.
más allá
beyond
The term 'más allá' is a phrase in Spanish that is directly translated to 'beyond' in English. It is used to indicate something that is further away, in the distance, or happening after a certain point or event. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including physical distance, time, or even metaphysical concepts.
Example sentences with más allá →matemáticas
mathematics
Mathematics is a field of study that involves shapes, quantities, arrangements, and their relationships. It is a fundamental discipline that is essential to many areas, including the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences.
Example sentences with matemáticas →materia
matter
The Spanish word for 'matter' is 'materia'. In general usage, it is often associated with school subjects (like in 'science matters' translated to 'materias de ciencia'). However, it can also refer to the substance or material that something is made of. Like in English, it can also be used in more abstract concepts like 'issues' or 'matters of importance (asuntos de importancia)'. It's important to note that context is key when determining the correct use of 'materia'.
Example sentences with materia →materia anual
annual
'Materia anual' is a Spanish term that is usually used to speak about a school subject that lasts for the entire academic year. Its direct English translation can be 'annual subject'. However, in English, it is more common to refer to it simply as a 'year-long course' or 'annual course'.
materia combustible
fuel
The Spanish term 'materia combustible' directly translates into English as 'combustible material'. However, in a more colloquial or common usage, it is used to refer to 'fuel'. Fuel, in English, is any material that is used to produce heat or power by burning. This term is commonly used in industries like energy production, automotive, aviation, and more. It represents substances like coal, wood, oil, or gas, which upon combustion in the presence of oxygen release energy. The energy is then used for achieving different tasks, ranging from simple cooking and heating to propelling vehicles and running factory machines.
Example sentences with materia combustible →material
material
The word 'material' in Spanish is used in the same context as in English and it means substance out of which things are made or considered as a potential or actuality. It can also be used to refer to information or ideas for use in creating a book or other work.
Example sentences with material →mayonesa
mayonnaise
The Spanish word 'mayonesa' translates to 'mayonnaise' in English. Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy dressing often used in salads and sandwiches, and as a condiment. It is typically made from oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice, with other seasonings added according to taste.
mayor
most
The Spanish word 'mayor' is commonly used as an adjective and can be translated as 'most' in English. It is generally placed before the noun it modifies. Sometimes it is also used in comparison context. Like English, it's also used to denote 'greater in amount or degree.' It's a versatile word that often sees use in everyday Spanish conversation and writing.
Example sentences with mayor →medianoche
midnight
The Spanish word 'medianoche' refers to the middle of the night, specifically the point in time when it is exactly 12:00 AM. It is used in the same contexts as the English word 'midnight'. For example, you might use the term to plan a meeting for the very start of the day, or to describe when a certain event took place.
Example sentences with medianoche →medio ambiente
environment
In Spanish, 'environment' is translated as 'medio ambiente'. It is most often used in discussions about the natural world, climate issues, or ecological concerns. It's widely used the same way it is in English, referring to surrounding conditions or influences.
Example sentences with medio ambiente →mejilla
cheek
The Spanish word 'mejilla' translates to 'cheek' in English. It refers to the area of the face below the eye and between the nose and ear. 'Mejilla' is a feminine noun in Spanish, so you would use 'la' (the) with it to say 'the cheek'. For example, 'la mejilla' means 'the cheek' in English.
mejor
best
The word 'mejor' in Spanish is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is superior in some way. This could be in terms of quality, ability, or performance. Like in English, it can be used in various contexts, such as comparing two or more things, stating preferences, or showing improvement. For instance, 'Este es el mejor café' means 'This is the best coffee.'
Example sentences with mejor →melodía
melody
Melodía is the term for 'Melody'. It denotes a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying.
Example sentences with melodía →melón
melon
A melon is any of various plants of the family Cucurbitaceae with sweet, edible, and fleshy fruit. The melon from a botanical point of view is a simple berry, like a grape.
Example sentences with melón →memoria
memory
In Spanish, 'memoria' is used to refer to the mental capacity to remember things. It can be used in the same contexts as the English word 'memory'. For example, you can use it when talking about short-term or long-term memory ('memoria a corto plazo' or 'memoria a largo plazo'), or to refer to someone's ability to remember things ('tiene buena memoria').
Example sentences with memoria →mencionar
mention
In Spanish, the word 'mencionar' is used quite similarly to the English word 'mention'. It can refer to the act of talking about something briefly or to reference someone or something in a piece of writing or a speech. Like in English, 'mencionar' is a common verb and can be used in a variety of contexts.
Example sentences with mencionar →mensaje
message
The Spanish word 'mensaje' represents the English term 'message'. It is used in similar contexts as in English, for instance when referring to a short piece of written or verbal communication, or a central theme or idea in a conversation, speech, or literary work. Like in English, 'mensaje' can also metaphorically refer to the underlying point or moral of a story.
Example sentences with mensaje →mente
mind
The Spanish word 'mente' stands for the English term 'mind'. It is used commonly in Spanish to refer to the cognitive process of thought, the intellectual capacity of the brain, or to convey a person's state of thinking. It can be used in various contexts, whether in phrases, idioms, songs or literature, and can be used to describe both the physical organ and the abstract concept of one's consciousness.
Example sentences with mente →