mapa
/ˈmapa/masculine
The Spanish word for map is mapa. Wiktionary also lists plano and carta.
Meaning: visual representation of an area (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mapa | /ˈmapa/ | masculine |
| plano | /ˈplano/ | masculine |
| carta | /ˈkaɾta/ | feminine |
The word mapa is used to describe a visual representation of an area. For example, you can use the phrase un mapa to mean 'a map'.
Which one should you use?
While mapa is the general term, you should use plano when referring to a floor plan or a map of a small, specific area such as a building or a city block. In a maritime context, the word carta is used specifically for a nautical chart.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of mapa is mapas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmapa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because mapa ends in 'a', English speakers often mistakenly treat it as a feminine noun. However, it is a masculine noun: el mapa.
Did you know?
- The word mapa comes from the Latin word for 'napkin'. In ancient Rome, cloths were used to wipe tables and were later used as a surface for drawing basic sketches.
Examples in context
- Le di un mapa.I handed him a map.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of mapa.Tatoeba #974652 by Shishir, translation #974580 by slivercat
- Aquí está el mapa.Here is the map.Tatoeba #2112088 by Shishir, translation #1761751 by Tereza
- Tom tiene un mapa.Tom has a map.Tatoeba #2843735 by Shishir, translation #2649189 by CK
- ¿Podría indicarme en el mapa dónde se encuentra el museo?Could you please show me on the map where the museum is located?
- De acuerdo con la carta geográfica, nuestro destino está hacia el sur.According to the map, our destination is to the south.
- ¿Tienes un plano de la ciudad?Do you have a map of the city?
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are lost in a city and looking for a way out.
- Mateo¿Tienes un mapa de la ciudad?Do you have a map of the city?
- ElenaNo, no tengo el mapa conmigo.No, I don't have the map with me.
- MateoBusquemos un mapa en la tienda.Let's look for a map in the shop.
- ElenaEs una buena idea, Mateo.It's a good idea, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “map” translations and entries mapa, plano, carta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, mapa, plano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
