lima
/ˈlima/
The Spanish word for lime fruit is lima.
Which one should you use?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word limón is used to refer to what English speakers call a lime, whereas lima refers to a different citrus fruit (the lima citrus).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlima/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use lima for a lime, but in most of Latin America, a green lime is called a limón.
Did you know?
- The word lima is a homonym in Spanish, meaning it can refer to the citrus fruit, a metal file for smoothing surfaces or the capital city of Peru.
- The Spanish word lima descends from the Arabic word laymūn, which traveled through Classical Persian and Sanskrit before reaching Spain.
- Depending on the country, a yellow lemon may be called a limón amarillo to distinguish it from the green limón.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar unas limas para hacer guacamole.I need to buy some limes to make guacamole.
- Necesito una lima para el té.I need a lime for the tea.
- La lima es muy ácida.The lime is very acidic.
- Compré una lima fresca en el mercado.I bought a fresh lime at the market.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are preparing a drink in the kitchen.
- Sofía¿Tienes una lima para el jugo?Do you have a lime for the juice?
- DanielSí, la lima está en la mesa.Yes, the lime is on the table.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel. Es perfecta.Thanks, Daniel. It is perfect.
- DanielDe nada, Sofía.You're welcome, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
