Noun · A1 · Spanish glossary

Idioma: language

idioma

Pronunciation: ee-DYOH-mah (stress the capital letters)

Idioma means “language” in English.

Quick answer

Meaning: language
How to say it: ee-DYOH-mah
Gender: el idioma
Level: Beginner (A1)

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What “idioma” means and how to use it

Idioma means “language,” especially a foreign or national language. It is masculine even though it ends in -a.

Gender and plural

Gender: el idioma (masculine)
Plural: los idiomas

Examples with audio

El español es un idioma hermoso.Spanish is a beautiful language.
¿Cuántos idiomas hablas?How many languages do you speak?
Aprendo un idioma nuevo.I am learning a new language.

Usage tip

Idioma (language) and “lengua” (language, tongue) overlap. Use idioma for the language you speak, and lengua for the body part or the language as a system.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “language” in Spanish?

“language” in Spanish is “idioma.” It is pronounced ee-DYOH-mah, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.

How do you pronounce “idioma”?

Say ee-DYOH-mah. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.

Is “idioma” masculine or feminine?

Idioma is masculine: “el idioma.” The plural is “idiomas.”

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