isla
/ˈisla/
The Spanish word isla means island.
isla refers to a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water.
Which one should you use?
While isla is the standard term, if you are referring to a group or cluster of islands, you should use archipiélago.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Spanish-speaking regions, especially in Mexico and Central American countries, the word isleta is used to describe a small island or islet.
How does it change in a sentence?
isla is a feminine noun. Because of this, you use the feminine indefinite article to say una isla (an island). The plural form is las islas (the islands).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈisla/
Did you know?
- The English word 'island' is a false cognate of isla. While they look similar, 'island' contains a misleading 's' added by 16th-century scribes to make it look more like the Latin ínsula.
- In certain nautical contexts, Spanish speakers may use cayo instead of isla for a small, low-elevation sandy island. Using isla for a tiny sandy strip might sound too formal or imprecise to a local.
- In some Caribbean contexts, the term isla is used colloquially to describe someone who is socially isolated or 'on an island' emotionally.
Examples in context
- El archipiélago de las Islas Canarias está situado en el AtlánticoThe archipelago of the Canary Islands is located in the Atlantic.
- Me encantaría visitar una isla tropical durante mis vacaciones.I would love to visit a tropical island during my vacation.
- Las Islas Maldivas son increíblesThe Maldives Islands are incredible
- ¡Aquella isla desierta en el océano Pacífico es simplemente paradisíaca!That deserted island in the Pacific Ocean is simply paradisiacal!
- Esa isla es muy pequeña.That island is very small.
- Queremos visitar una isla tropical.We want to visit a tropical island.
- Hay una isla en medio del lago.There is an island in the middle of the lake.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are looking at a map.
- AlejandroMira esta isla en el mapa.Look at this island on the map.
- ElenaEs muy bonita, Alejandro.It is very pretty, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres ir allí el próximo año?Do you want to go there next year?
- ElenaSí, me encantaría visitar esa isla.Yes, I would love to visit that island.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry isla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries isla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
