islas
/islas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for 'islands' is islas.
islas is used to refer to pieces of land that are completely surrounded by water. For example, one might refer to the Islas Baleares (Balearic Islands).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the term cayos is particularly common.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of islas is isla. Because islas is a feminine noun, it must be accompanied by the feminine plural article las when used with a definite article, forming las islas (the islands).
How do you pronounce it?
/islas/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word isla is a cognate of the English word 'island', both descending from the Latin insula. However, the 's' in 'island' was added in English centuries later by mistake to make it look more like the Latin root.
- Spanish uses the term isla in the phrase isla de tráfico to describe a pedestrian refuge or a traffic island in the middle of a road.
- In some Spanish dialects, estoy en una isla can be used metaphorically to describe feeling completely isolated or alone in a social situation.
Examples in context
- En el mar hay islas.There are islands on the sea.This sentence is useful for stating that there are islands on the sea.Tatoeba #8887736 by escudo119, translation #9169179 by DJ_Saidez
- Había islas en el mar.There were islands in the sea.This sentence is useful for describing that there were islands in the sea.Tatoeba #5054113 by Shishir, translation #5055496 by CarpeLanam
- Hay muchas islas en Grecia.There are many islands in Greece.This sentence is useful for mentioning that there are many islands in Greece.Tatoeba #858382 by Rafp, translation #664077 by bluepie88
- Me encantaría visitar las hermosas islas del Caribe.I would love to visit the beautiful islands of the Caribbean.
- Vamos a explorar todas las islitas de esta región.Let's explore all the little islands in this region.
- Los cayos de esta zona son conocidos por sus playas paradisíacas.The keys in this area are known for their paradise beaches.
- Las Islas Baleares son muy populares por su vida nocturna animada.The Balearic Islands are very popular for their lively nightlife.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are looking at a travel brochure in a cafe.
- Elena¿Quieres visitar esas islas tropicales?Do you want to visit those tropical islands?
- MateoSí, me encantan las islas con playas bonitas.Yes, I love islands with beautiful beaches.
- ElenaPodemos ir a las islas este verano.We can go to the islands this summer.
- MateoEs un plan excelente, Elena.It is an excellent plan, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
