Lengua materna
/lenɡwa mateɾna/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'native language' is translated into Spanish as Lengua materna.
The phrase refers to the first language a person learns to speak from birth.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lengua (tongue/language) and materna (maternal/mother's), which literally translates to 'mother tongue'.
Which one should you use?
While lengua materna is the most common way to say 'native language', the phrase idioma materno is also used and carries the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because lengua is a feminine noun, the adjective materna must also be in its feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/lenɡwa mateɾna/
Did you know?
- The term lengua can also be used as a metaphor for gossip or talking too much, such as in the expression tener la lengua larga meaning 'to have a long tongue'.
- While lengua materna refers to the first language learned, Spanish speakers use the phrase lengua franca to describe a common language used between people who do not share a native one.
- The word lengua refers both to the physical muscle in your mouth and the abstract concept of a language.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es tu lengua materna?What's your native language?This sentence is useful for asking someone what their native language is.Tatoeba #507152 by Shishir, translation #997544 by CK
- Su lengua materna es el ruso.Her native language is Russian.This sentence is useful for stating that someone's native language is Russian.Tatoeba #4623190 by Shishir, translation #8735452 by deniko
- El ruso es su lengua materna.Russian is her native language.Tatoeba #4623207 by Shishir, translation #10027683 by ddnktr
- Mi idioma materno es el inglés.My native language is English.
- ¿Cuál es tu lengua nativa?What is your native language?
- Hablo español como lengua materna.I speak Spanish as my native language.
- Utilizo mi lengua materna en casa.I use my native language at home.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about their families.
- DanielLucía, ¿cuál es la lengua materna de tu madre?Lucía, what is your mother's native language?
- LucíaSu lengua materna es el francés.Her native language is French.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! ¿Tú también hablas francés?That's great! Do you speak French too?
- LucíaNo, mi lengua materna es el español.No, my native language is Spanish.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
