conferencia
/konfeˈɾenθja/
The English phrase 'lecture' is translated into Spanish as conferencia.
Conferencia is a term commonly used to refer to a lecture delivered by an expert or professional in a formal setting.
Meaning: a spoken lesson (noun)
Which one should you use?
While conferencia refers to a formal lecture, the word clase is more commonly used for a standard classroom lesson or lecture in a school or university setting. For a formal presentation or lecture on a specific topic, usually delivered at a conference or symposium, you may use ponencia.
How do you pronounce it?
/konfeˈɾenθja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using lectura to mean 'lecture', as this word actually means 'reading'.
Did you know?
- Unlike in English where a 'lecture' can be a scolding, Spanish uses the verb sermonear or the noun sermón to describe being lectured by a parent or boss.
- In many Spanish-speaking universities, a clase magistral is the equivalent of a 'masterclass', where the professor speaks and students mostly listen.
- In Spanish, conferencia can describe a high-level diplomatic meeting or a 'conference' between nations, not just a speech by a single person.
Examples in context
- Su conferencia es muy larga.His lecture is very long.This sentence is useful for describing the length of a conferencia.Tatoeba #5270685 by albrusgher, translation #286997 by Dejo
- ¿Tendré que dar una conferencia?Will I have to give a lecture?This sentence is useful for asking if one must give a conferencia.Tatoeba #1957963 by teskmon, translation #817942 by Cindrogriza
- ¿Ha finalizado ya la conferencia?Is the lecture already finished?This sentence is useful for asking if a conferencia has finished.Tatoeba #5270720 by albrusgher, translation #5006745 by Lindoula
- Hoy asistí a una interesante conferencia sobre el cambio climático.Today I attended an interesting lecture on climate change.
- El profesor dará una charla sobre arte contemporáneo.The professor will give a lecture on contemporary art.
- La ponencia del científico fue muy reveladora para la comunidad académica.The scientist's lecture was very revealing for the academic community.
- Juan nos dio una charla sobre sus experiencias de viaje.Juan gave us a talk about his travel experiences.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a university event.
- LucíaMateo, ¿vas a asistir a la conferencia de mañana?Mateo, are you going to attend tomorrow's lecture?
- MateoSí, me interesa mucho el tema de la conferencia.Yes, I am very interested in the topic of the lecture.
- LucíaYo también, dicen que el experto es increíble.Me too, they say the expert is incredible.
- MateoEntonces nos vemos allí a las diez.Then I'll see you there at ten.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conferencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
