enciclopedia
/enθikloˈpedja/standard
The Spanish word for "encyclopedia" is enciclopedia. It is a feminine noun, so you say una enciclopedia and la enciclopedia.
You can use enciclopedia for a printed set of volumes and for an online reference such as Wikipedia. It also appears in the playful phrase una enciclopedia andante, a "walking encyclopedia", for someone who seems to know everything.
Meaning: reference work with articles on a range of topics (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun is feminine, adjectives agree with it: una enciclopedia libre (a free encyclopedia), una enciclopedia antigua (an old encyclopedia).
How do you pronounce it?
Say it in five syllables, en-thee-klo-PE-dya. In most of Latin America the c before i is pronounced like s, so it sounds like en-see-klo-PE-dya. The stress falls on pe.
Did you know?
- The phrase enciclopedia andante is the Spanish way to say "walking encyclopedia" for a very knowledgeable person.
Examples in context
- Wikipedia es una enciclopedia libre.Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia.
- Mi padre tenía una enciclopedia antigua.My father had an old encyclopedia.
- Es una enciclopedia andante.He is a walking encyclopedia.
Example conversation
Marta asks her grandfather Pedro about the books on his shelf.
- Marta¿Qué son todos esos libros, abuelo?What are all those books, grandpa?
- PedroEs una enciclopedia de doce tomos.It is an encyclopedia in twelve volumes.
- Marta¿Puedo leer un tomo?Can I read one volume?
- PedroClaro, pero cuídala mucho.Of course, but take good care of it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry enciclopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of .
