alfalfa
/alˈfalfa/feminine
The English word alfalfa is translated into Spanish as alfalfa. Wiktionary also lists mielga.
Meaning: Medicago sativa (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alfalfa | /alˈfalfa/ | feminine |
| mielga | /ˈmjelɡa/ | feminine |
The term refers to the plant known scientifically as Medicago sativa.
Which one should you use?
alfalfa is the standard term used for the plant, while mielga is a synonymous term used for the same plant in certain contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la instead of el.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈfalfa/
Did you know?
- The term alfalfa has traveled a massive linguistic distance, moving from ancient Iranian roots through Arabic before finally settling into the Spanish language.
- The evolution of the word from the Old Spanish alfalfez to the modern alfalfa shows how Arabic farming terminology reshaped the Spanish rural lexicon.
Examples in context
- La alfalfa es buena para el ganado.Alfalfa is good for livestock.
- Necesitamos comprar más alfalfa para los caballos.We need to buy more alfalfa for the horses.
- El campo está lleno de alfalfa verde.The field is full of green alfalfa.
Example conversation
At a farm supply store.
- LucíaHola, ¿tienen sacos de alfalfa?Hello, do you have bags of alfalfa?
- AlejandroSí, tenemos mucha alfalfa fresca hoy.Yes, we have a lot of fresh alfalfa today.
- LucíaPerfecto, quiero tres sacos, por favor.Perfect, I want three bags, please.
- AlejandroMuy bien, Lucía, te los preparo ahora.Very well, Lucía, I will prepare them for you now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alfalfa” translations and entries alfalfa, mielga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alfalfa, mielga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
