lema
/ˈlema/masculine
The English word "motto" is translated into Spanish as lema.
lema refers to a suggestive sentence, phrase or word.
Meaning: suggestive sentence, phrase or word (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lema is masculine, so it is used with masculine articles such as el lema.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlema/
Did you know?
- If you are describing a guiding principle for your own life, you will more likely hear the phrase filosofía de vida than lema.
- While lema works for formal mottos, Spanish speakers typically use the loanword eslogan when referring to a catchy phrase used in advertising.
- The word lema is borrowed from the Latin 'lemma', which originates from the Ancient Greek word λῆμμα, meaning 'something received'.
Examples in context
- Se mantuvo el viejo lema.The old motto was retained.This sentence shows how to express that an old motto was kept.Tatoeba #11835951 by Seael, translation #10908835 by CM
- El lema del cuerpo de marines es "Siempre Fiel".The Marine Corps motto is "Semper Fidelis."This sentence provides an example of a military motto.Tatoeba #5905975 by albrusgher, translation #4586991 by LB
- Mejor sufrir que morir, es el lema de los humanos."Better suffer than die" is humans' motto.This sentence illustrates how a phrase can be described as a motto for a group.Tatoeba #1406429 by marcelostockle, translation #1366530 by sacredceltic
- El lema de nuestra compañía es "Excelencia y dedicación"The motto of our company is "Excellence and dedication"
- Nuestro eslogan es "¡Calidad al mejor precio!"Our motto is "Quality at the best price!"
- Nuestro lema es "Innovando para un futuro mejor"Our motto is "Innovating for a better future"
- El eslogan de nuestro equipo es "Juntos somos más fuertes"Our team motto is "Together we are stronger"
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a new business slogan.
- María¿Cuál es el nuevo lema de la empresa?What is the company's new motto?
- MateoEs "Innovación para todos".It is "Innovation for everyone".
- MaríaMe gusta mucho ese lema.I really like that motto.
- MateoGracias, María, es muy corto y directo.Thanks, María, it is very short and direct.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “motto” translations and entries lema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
