algas
/ˈalɡas/
The English phrase algae is translated into Spanish as algas.
Algas is the general term used to refer to algae. If you are specifically referring to marine algae, use the phrase algas marinas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is alga. As a feminine noun, algas is used with feminine articles such as las or unas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈalɡas/
Did you know?
- Although alga is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine singular article el instead of la to avoid a clash of sounds. You say el alga but still use feminine adjectives like el alga verde.
- If you are describing a green, slimy substance on a wall, a person from Spain might call it moho instead of algas, even if it is biologically similar to algae.
- Spanish scientists avoid using algas for blue-green algae, insisting on the term cianobacterias because they are biologically bacteria.
Examples in context
- Los flamencos comen algas.Flamingos eat algae.This sentence shows an example of flamingos eating algas.Tatoeba #7996379 by Seael, translation #12898707 by araneo
- Los patos se alimentan de gusanos, crustáceos, insectos acuáticos y algas.Ducks feed on worms, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and algae.This sentence describes the various things ducks feed on, including algas.Tatoeba #8564670 by adaycito, translation #8565632 by guavalava
- Las algas son organismos acuáticos fotosintéticos unicelulares o pluricelulares.Algae are photosynthetic aquatic organisms, either unicellular or multicellular.
- Los alimentos ricos en algas marinas son una excelente fuente de nutrientes.Foods rich in marine algae are an excellent source of nutrients.
- Me encanta nadar en el mar cuando hay algas verdes flotando.I love swimming in the sea when there are green algae floating around.
- Las algas crecen en el fondo del lago.The algae grow at the bottom of the lake.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are walking along a beach.
- SofíaMira cuántas algas hay en la arena.Look how many algae there are on the sand.
- JavierSí, el mar las trajo con la marea.Yes, the sea brought them with the tide.
- SofíaA veces las algas huelen muy fuerte.Sometimes the algae smell very strong.
- JavierEs normal, es parte de la naturaleza.It's normal, it's part of nature.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry algas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
