Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| limón | /liˈmon/ | masculine |
| citrón | /θiˈtɾon/ /siˈtɾon/ |
Limón is the most common and standard term for lemon in Spanish. The related adjective limonado or limón can also mean having the color of lemons. Additionally, limón amarillo translates to yellow lemon.
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, limón refers to the small, green citrus fruit (often called lime in English), whereas it can also refer to the yellow lemon depending on the specific country.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The diminutive form limoncito is an informal way to say lemon used to add affection or endearment.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of limón is limones, and when using this plural form, the accent mark on the 'o' is dropped.
How do you pronounce it?
/liˈmon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse limón with lima (lime), but in many dialects, limón is the generic term for both or specifically for the green variety.
Did you know?
- The word limón has an ancient lineage that traces all the way back to the Sanskrit word nimbū.
- If you order a 'limonada' in many Spanish-speaking countries, you might receive a drink made with green limes instead of yellow lemons.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, adding the suffix to create limoncito is not just about size but a way to express affection toward the fruit or the dish it is in.
Examples in context
- El limón es ácido.Lemon is sour.This sentence is useful for describing the taste of limón.Tatoeba #971467 by Shishir, translation #29487 by al_ex_an_der
- Tom exprimió el limón.Tom squeezed the lemon.This sentence is useful for describing the action of squeezing limón.Tatoeba #4952414 by cueyayotl, translation #2546357 by CK
- Esto es jugo de limón.This is lemon juice.This sentence is useful for describing limón juice.Tatoeba #9189952 by ignacio, translation #9189341 by CK
- El limón es una fruta ácida y refrescanteThe lemon is a sour and refreshing fruit
- Este postre lleva limón amarillo, azúcar y huevoThis dessert contains yellow lemon, sugar, and eggs
- ¿Puedes traerme un poco de limoncito para el té?Can you bring me some lemon for my tea?
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are in the kitchen preparing a drink.
- Lucía¿Tienes un limón, Javier?Do you have a lemon, Javier?
- JavierSí, el limón está en la nevera.Yes, the lemon is in the fridge.
- LucíaGracias, lo usaré para la limonada.Thanks, I will use it for the lemonade.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lemon” translations and entries limón, citrón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries citrón, limón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
