mota
/ˈmota/
mota is the Spanish slang term for marijuana.
mota is an informal slang term used to refer to marijuana.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Because it is a slang word, mota is used in informal settings and is not appropriate for medical or legal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the slang term pito is used to refer to mota or marijuana.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmota/
Did you know?
- The word mota may have been borrowed from a Germanic source, specifically the Proto-Germanic word *muþraz, meaning 'sediment'.
- Depending on the region, the word mota can be used to describe anything from a speck of dust to a clump of wool.
- While mota is the dominant slang in Mexico, speakers in Spain are much more likely to refer to the plant as María or hierba.
Examples in context
- Ayer probé una María muy potente.Yesterday I tried some very potent marijuana.
- En Puerto Rico, le llaman pito a la mota.In Puerto Rico, they call marijuana pito.
- Esa mota huele muy fuerte.That weed smells very strong.
- Compraron un poco de mota.They bought some weed.
- No quiero esa mota.I don't want that weed.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking at a party.
- Sofía¿Tienes algo de mota?Do you have any weed?
- MateoSí, tengo un poco en mi mochila.Yes, I have a little in my backpack.
- SofíaPerfecto, gracias por compartir.Perfect, thanks for sharing.
- MateoDe nada, Sofía.You're welcome, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
