idioma
/iˈdjoma/
The Spanish word idioma means language.
idioma is used to mean a system of communication used by a particular country or community. The related adjective idiomático/a is used to describe something that is language-related or idiomatic.
Which one should you use?
While idioma refers to a system of communication, the word lengua is often used interchangeably in common speech, though lengua can also specifically refer to a 'tongue' or a linguistic branch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of idioma is los idiomas.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈdjoma/
Did you know?
- Despite ending in -a, the word idioma is masculine, meaning it uses the article el instead of la.
- The word idioma is a 'false friend' because it refers to a whole language, whereas the English word 'idiom' refers only to a specific figure of speech.
- While idioma is the standard term for a language, the phrase lenguaje is used when discussing the general capacity for communication, such as 'body language' or 'programming language'.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es su idioma materno?What is your native language?
- ¿Cuál es tu lengua materna?What is your mother tongue?
- Hola, ¿cuál es tu idioma materno?Hello, what is your native language?
- Prefiero estudiar el idioma inglésI prefer studying the English language
- La lengua española es muy bonitaThe Spanish language is very beautiful
- El inglés es un idioma muy útil.English is a very useful language.
- ¿Qué idioma hablas en tu casa?What language do you speak at your house?
- Ella estudia un idioma nuevo cada año.She studies a new language every year.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their language classes.
- Elena¿Cuál es tu idioma favorito?What is your favorite language?
- MateoMe gusta mucho el idioma italiano.I like the Italian language a lot.
- ElenaEs un idioma muy bonito.It is a very beautiful language.
- MateoSí, quiero aprenderlo pronto.Yes, I want to learn it soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry idioma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
