química
/ˈkimika/feminine
The English word "chemistry" is translated into Spanish as química.
química refers to the branch of natural science. When discussing the science in a general sense, you should use it with the feminine definite article la química.
Meaning: branch of natural science (noun)
Which one should you use?
While química refers to the scientific discipline, the shorthand quimio is commonly used in medical contexts to refer to chemotherapy.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, química is used with feminine articles and adjectives. When referring to the science generally, use la química.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkimika/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word química shares an ancestral root with the English word 'juice' via the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to pour'.
- The Spanish word for the subject, química, is grammatically identical to the word used for a female scientist in that field.
- While química means the science of chemistry, the word químico can refer to both a chemist and a chemical substance.
Examples in context
- Le gusta la química.She likes chemistry.This sentence shows how to express liking the subject with química.Tatoeba #4482632 by cueyayotl, translation #2895120 by AlanF_US
- No sé nada de química.I don't know anything about chemistry.This sentence demonstrates a statement about having no knowledge of química.Tatoeba #6018366 by hayastan, translation #6017334 by mailohilohi
- No es bueno en química.He's not good at chemistry.This sentence illustrates how to say someone is not good at química.Tatoeba #10982070 by JSKabylie, translation #13591305 by araneo
- La química es una ciencia fascinante que estudia las propiedades y reacciones de la materia.Chemistry is a fascinating science that studies the properties and reactions of matter.
- La química física es un área de estudio muy interesante y compleja.Physical chemistry is a very interesting and complex field of study.
- La química orgánica se centra en el estudio de los compuestos químicos que contienen carbono.Organic chemistry focuses on the study of chemical compounds that contain carbon.
- Esta semana tengo un examen de química orgo, necesito estudiar mucho.I have an organic chemistry exam this week, I need to study a lot.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about their college studies.
- Daniel¿Estudias mucha química este semestre?Are you studying a lot of chemistry this semester?
- MaríaSí, la química es mi materia favorita.Yes, chemistry is my favorite subject.
- DanielA mí me parece muy difícil.I find it very difficult.
- MaríaSolo necesitas practicar más en el laboratorio.You just need to practice more in the lab.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chemistry” translations and entries química, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries química, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
