idioma
/iˈdjoma/masculine
The English word 'language' can be translated into Spanish as idioma or lengua.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| idioma | /iˈdjoma/ | masculine |
| lengua | /ˈlenɡwa/ | feminine |
Both terms refer to a body of words used for communication. Idioma is used when referring to a specific language as a system of communication, such as English or Spanish. The term lengua is also used in specific contexts, most notably in the phrase lengua materna to mean 'mother tongue' or 'native language'.
Which one should you use?
Use idioma when referring to a specific language as a system of communication (e.g., Spanish, English).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word idioma is a masculine noun. Its plural form is los idiomas, following the standard rule for masculine nouns ending in -a. The word lengua is a feminine noun. Its plural form is las lenguas, following the standard rule for feminine nouns ending in -a.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈdjoma/
Did you know?
- The English word 'idiom' comes from the same Greek root as the Spanish idioma, but in English, an 'idiom' is a figurative expression rather than a full language.
- In Spanish, the phrase sacar la lengua means to stick out one's tongue, which is often used as a gesture of mockery or playfulness.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear people use lengua to refer to specific indigenous languages, such as la lengua maya, rather than using the word idioma.
Examples in context
- Me gusta mi idioma.I like my language.This sentence shows how to express a preference for one's own idioma.Tatoeba #1515258 by marcelostockle, translation #1514918 by gleki
- Me gusta tu lengua.I like your language.This sentence uses lengua to express liking someone's language.Tatoeba #9931318 by Shishir, translation #9930198 by lucasmg123
- No hablo tu idioma.I don't speak your language.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not speak a particular idioma.Tatoeba #10261566 by Shishir, translation #2276207 by CK
- Tu idioma es tu herramienta para comunicarte con el mundo.Your language is your tool to communicate with the world.
- El idioma oficial de España es el español.The official language of Spain is Spanish.
- La lengua materna de más de 400 millones de personas es el español.The mother tongue of over 400 million people is Spanish.
- El uso de la lengua es una forma de mantener nuestra cultura viva.Using language is a way to keep our culture alive.
- Tu lengua materna es hermosa.Your mother tongue is beautiful.
- Me encanta escuchar tu lengua local.I love listening to your local language.
- ¿Cuántos idiomas diferentes hablas?How many different languages do you speak?
- La jerga juvenil cambia constantemente.Youth slang is constantly changing.
- Me encanta cómo usas la jerga local en tus conversaciones.I love how you use the local slang in your conversations.
- Siempre utilizo un lenguaje más formal cuando hablo con mis superiores.I always use a more formal language when speaking with my superiors.
- En México, se utiliza mucho el término "lengua" en lugar de "idioma".In Mexico, the term "lengua" is often used instead of "idioma".
- La diversidad de idiomas en América Latina es asombrosa.The diversity of languages in Latin America is astonishing.
- 1011 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about his studies at university.
- Elena¿Qué idioma estudias, Alejandro?What language are you studying, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEstudio un idioma extranjero.I am studying a foreign language.
- Elena¡Qué bien! ¿Es muy difícil?That's great! Is it very difficult?
- AlejandroSí, el idioma es complejo.Yes, the language is complex.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries idioma, lengua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idioma, lengua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
