diario
/ˈdjaɾjo/
The English phrase 'journal' is translated into Spanish as diario.
diario is used to mean a diary or a daily record. It can also function as an adjective meaning 'daily'. In some contexts, it may also refer to a newspaper. If you want to specifically refer to a personal diary to avoid confusion with a log or a newspaper, you can use the phrase diario de vida. Note that cuaderno is a different word used to refer to a notebook.
Meaning: diary or daily record (noun)
Which one should you use?
While diario is the standard word for a journal, it is a common synonym for periódico (newspaper) in many Spanish-speaking regions. To clarify that you mean a personal diary, use diario de vida. For a more formal context involving a logbook or a record of specific events and experiences, use bitácora.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, diario can mean a newspaper.
How does it change in a sentence?
diario can function as both a noun meaning 'journal' and an adjective meaning 'daily'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdjaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word diario comes from the Latin diārium, which originally referred to a daily allowance or wage given to soldiers.
- The term bitácora has transitioned from the sea to the internet, where it is often used as a native Spanish term for a 'blog'.
- While diario is common, sailors and pilots use bitácora for a logbook, a word derived from the wooden box that held the ship's compass.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes un diario japonés?Do you have a Japanese journal?This sentence is useful for asking about ownership of a Japanese diario.Tatoeba #3182462 by cueyayotl, translation #958897 by FeuDRenais2
- Tiene un diario de sueños al lado de la cama para no olvidar los sueños que tiene y después analizarlos.He keeps a dream journal by his bedside so he doesn't forget the dreams he has and can analyze them afterwards.This sentence shows how someone might use a diario to record and analyze dreams.Tatoeba #9939287 by Shishir, translation #9939292 by DJ_Saidez
- Eso no es un diario.That's not a journal.This sentence is a simple way to use diario in a negative statement.Tatoeba #10746308 by megamanenm, translation #10748604 by DJ_Saidez
- Tengo que escribir en mi diario todas las nochesI have to write in my journal every night
- Llevo una bitácora de mis viajes alrededor del mundoI keep a journal of my travels around the world
- Hoy escribí algo muy personal en mi cuadernoToday, I wrote something very personal in my journal
- Me gusta llevar una bitácora personal para reflexionar sobre mis pensamientos y emocionesI enjoy keeping a personal journal to reflect on my thoughts and emotions
- Recuerdo haber anotado esto en mi cuaderno de apuntesI remember jotting this down in my journal
- Siempre llevo una libreta conmigo para escribir mis pensamientosI always carry a journal with me to write down my thoughts
- Siempre me siento mejor después de escribir en mi diario personalI always feel better after writing in my personal journal
- ¿Tienes alguna bitácora donde registres tus pensamientos y logros?Do you have any journal where you record your thoughts and achievements?
- En mi cuaderno, tengo anotaciones sobre mis metas y sueñosIn my journal, I have notes about my goals and dreams
Example conversation
Lucía is looking for a place to write her thoughts.
- Daniel¿Necesitas un cuaderno nuevo?Do you need a new notebook?
- LucíaSí, quiero comprar un diario para escribir.Yes, I want to buy a journal to write in.
- DanielTengo un diario azul que puedes usar.I have a blue journal that you can use.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel, es perfecto para mí.Thanks, Daniel, it is perfect for me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry diario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
