mates
/ˈmates/feminine, plural
The English phrase 'maths' is translated into Spanish as mates. Wiktionary also lists mate.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mates | /ˈmates/ | feminine, plural |
| mate | /ˈmate/ | feminine, singular |
mate and mates are short, informal forms of the word for mathematics. They are widely understood colloquial clippings used in casual speech.
Which one should you use?
The standard, full term for mathematics is matemáticas, whereas mates is a colloquial version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mate and mates are informal and popular terms. For a formal context, you should use the term ciencias matemáticas.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because mate is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine plural article las when referring to the subject in the plural form, as in las mates.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmates/
Did you know?
- The word mate is a linguistic 'false friend' in this context, as it can also mean 'checkmate' in chess, originating from the Arabic phrase for 'the king is dead'.
- While mates is a common clipping of matemáticas, the single form mate can also refer to the South American caffeine-rich herbal drink.
Examples in context
- Soy profesor de matemáticas.I'm a maths teacher.This sentence is useful for showing how to use mate when describing a profession.Tatoeba #12892231 by ecorralest101, translation #12892825 by araneo
- A Tom no le gustan las mates.Tom doesn't like maths.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for the subject using mates.Tatoeba #1705451 by teskmon, translation #1655331 by sundown
- Las matemáticas son difíciles.Maths is hard.This sentence demonstrates how to refer to the subject using mate.Tatoeba #9432138 by ignacio, translation #10799892 by sundown
- Estoy estudiando matemáticas en la universidad.I am studying maths at the university.
- Las ciencias matemáticas son fundamentales en el desarrollo tecnológico.Mathematical sciences are fundamental in technological development.
- No entiendo nada de mate.I don't understand anything about maths.
- Estoy llevando un curso de matemática este semestre.I am taking a maths course this semester.
- Me encanta resolver problemas de matemática.I love solving maths problems.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying together in a library.
- LucíaMateo, ¿me ayudas con las mates?Mateo, can you help me with maths?
- MateoClaro, Lucía, soy bueno en las mates.Of course, Lucía, I am good at maths.
- LucíaGracias, es que las mates son complicadas.Thanks, it's just that maths are complicated.
- MateoNo te preocupes, lo lograremos.Don't worry, we will manage.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maths” translations and entries mates, mate, 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.
