isla
/ˈisla/feminine
The English word 'island' is isla in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists ínsula.
Meaning: area of land completely surrounded by water (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| isla | /ˈisla/ | feminine |
| ínsula | /ˈinsula/ | feminine |
The word refers to an area of land completely surrounded by water. You may also encounter the expression isla bonita to evoke the idea of a captivating, dreamy location.
Which one should you use?
While isla is the standard term, ínsula is a more formal or literary synonym.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Canary Islands, the word ileta can be used to refer to smaller islands.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of isla is islas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈisla/
Did you know?
- The term isla is used in Spanish culinary contexts to describe a specific shape of pastry or a small mound of food centered on a plate.
- In Spanish, the word isla can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is socially isolated or emotionally detached from others.
- Although they look different, isla and isle in English are actually distant relatives, both descending from the same Latin root.
Examples in context
- Eso no es una isla.That is not an island.This sentence is useful for denying that something is an isla.Tatoeba #4991624 by Shishir, translation #4986231 by Airvian
- Chipre es una isla.Cyprus is an island.This sentence is useful for identifying Cyprus as an isla.Tatoeba #6000306 by ulymarrero, translation #6000123 by Hybrid
- Sumatra es una isla.Sumatra is an island.This sentence is useful for identifying Sumatra as an isla.Tatoeba #479868 by Shishir, translation #477051 by CK
- Para llegar a la isla, deberemos tomar un barco.To reach the island, we'll have to take a boat.
- Vamos a explorar aquel islote que está cerca de la costa.Let's explore that islet near the coast.
- ¿Has visitado los cayos de la región? Son impresionantesHave you visited the islands of the region? They are impressive.
- Las iletas de Fuerteventura son verdaderos paraísos naturales.The small islands of Fuerteventura are true natural paradises.
- 157 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a map of the Caribbean.
- MateoMira, esta isla es muy pequeña.Look, this island is very small.
- MaríaSí, pero tiene playas hermosas.Yes, but it has beautiful beaches.
- Mateo¿Cómo llegamos a esa isla?How do we get to that island?
- MaríaPodemos ir en un bote, Mateo.We can go in a boat, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “island” translations and entries isla, ínsula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries isla, ínsula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
