mate
/ˈmate/feminine
In Spanish, the English word 'math' is represented by the short form mate. Wiktionary also lists mates.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mate | /ˈmate/ | feminine |
| mates | /ˈmates/ | feminine |
mate is a short form used to refer to the subject of mathematics. When referring specifically to the field of mathematical analysis, the phrase Análisis Matemático is used.
Which one should you use?
While the plural matemáticas is the standard way to refer to the subject in general, the singular form la matemática is used when referring to the mathematical science or the discipline as a whole.
Is it said differently in some regions?
mate is used in Spain and some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
mate is a feminine noun. It can appear as the singular mate or the plural mates.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmate/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular form mate to mean 'math' in Spanish. However, the subject is almost always used in its plural form, matemáticas.
Did you know?
- The word mate is a homonym with several unrelated meanings, including a traditional South American herbal tea and the term for 'checkmate' in chess.
- In some contexts, the word mate might be related to the verb matar, which means 'to kill', through a linguistic process called deverbalization.
Examples in context
- Me encantan las matemáticas.I love math.This example shows the use of mate to express a liking for the subject.Tatoeba #874380 by Munia, translation #396709 by CM
- La matemática es una mierda.Math sucks.This example shows the use of mate to express a negative opinion of the subject.Tatoeba #1508151 by marcelostockle, translation #670492 by Thanuir
- Él es pésimo en matemáticas.He is terrible at math.This example shows the use of mate when describing someone's ability in the subject.Tatoeba #3116831 by marcelostockle, translation #300241 by CK
- Estudio matemáticasI study math
- Estudió ciencias matemáticasHe pursued a degree in mathematical sciences
- Disfruto estudiando análisis matemáticoI enjoy studying mathematical analysis
- Tengo que hacer mis matesI have to do my math homework
- ¿Cuál es la respuesta a este problema de matemáticas?What's the answer to this math problem?
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their school schedule.
- MateoTengo un examen de mate mañana.I have a math exam tomorrow.
- LucíaYo también, Lucía está nerviosa por eso.Me too, Lucía is nervous about it.
- Mateo¿Me ayudas a estudiar mate?Will you help me study math?
- LucíaClaro, Mateo, nos vemos en la biblioteca.Sure, Mateo, I'll see you at the library.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “math” translations and entries mate, mates, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mate, mates, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
