diferentes idiomas
/difeɾentes idjomas/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "different languages" is diferentes idiomas.
The phrase is used to refer to two or more distinct systems of communication used by different groups of people.
Which one should you use?
While diferentes idiomas is the most common way to express this concept in a general sense, you may encounter diferentes lenguas in more academic, linguistic or formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective diferentes must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Since it modifies the plural noun idiomas, it takes the plural form diferentes.
Did you know?
- The word idioma comes from the Greek idioma, meaning 'peculiarity'. Originally, it referred to a way of speaking that was unique to a specific individual or group.
- When talking about diferentes idiomas, some Spanish speakers use the phrase hablar en lenguas to refer specifically to 'speaking in tongues' in a religious or spiritual context.
- While idiomas is common, the word lenguas is often used when discussing the biological act of speaking or the structural parts of the body, as lengua also means 'tongue'.
Examples in context
- Hombres y mujeres hablan diferentes idiomas.Men and women speak different languages.This sentence illustrates a general statement about men and women speaking various languages.Tatoeba #4509745 by ponisio7, translation #10504350 by DJ_Saidez
- Puedo añadir muchas frases en diferentes idiomas.I can add many sentences in different languages.This sentence shows how the phrase is used when discussing adding sentences in various languages.Tatoeba #1688010 by teskmon, translation #433394 by kazuya00
- ¿Qué pasaría si dos países poderosos con diferentes idiomas – tal como los Estados Unidos y China – aceptaran la enseñanza experimental del esperanto en las escuelas primarias?What would happen if two powerful nations with different languages – such as United States and China – would agree upon the experimental teaching of Esperanto in elementary schools?This sentence provides a hypothetical scenario involving two powerful nations with different languages.Tatoeba #825075 by juamoran, translation #714058 by Muelisto
- Hablo alemán.I speak German.
- ¿Qué idiomas hablas?What languages do you speak?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about their travel plans.
- JavierQuiero viajar a países con diferentes idiomas.I want to travel to countries with different languages.
- ElenaEso es genial, pero es difícil aprenderlos.That is great, but it is difficult to learn them.
- JavierSí, pero me gusta escuchar diferentes idiomas.Yes, but I like listening to different languages.
- ElenaEntonces deberías ir a Europa, Javier.Then you should go to Europe, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
