nombre
/ˈnombɾe/masculine
In Spanish, the English word "noun" is translated as nombre. It is also spelled nombre substantivo. Wiktionary also lists nombre sustantivo.
Meaning: grammatical category (narrow sense) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nombre | /ˈnombɾe/ | masculine |
| nombre sustantivo | /nombɾe sustantibo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| nombre substantivo | /nombɾe substantibo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, alternative form |
In everyday conversation, nombre usually means "name" rather than the grammatical category "noun".
Which one should you use?
While nombre can be used in linguistics, sustantivo is the more precise and common term for the grammatical category "noun".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnombɾe/
Did you know?
- The word nombre is used as a common exclamation in Spain, often appearing as ¡no, hombre! to express disbelief or disagreement, which is essentially like saying 'no way!' or 'come on!'
- The word sustantivo shares a direct ancestor with the English word 'substantive', though the Spanish term is used far more frequently in daily academic contexts.
- In some older Spanish grammar traditions, you will see the phrase nombre sustantivo used together to explicitly separate the grammatical category from the concept of a personal name.
Examples in context
- En este caso el adjetivo va antes del nombre.In this case, the adjective goes before the noun.This sentence is useful for illustrating how an adjective relates to the nombre.Tatoeba #2267281 by Shishir, translation #2267280 by _undertoad
- El sustantivo es una parte fundamental de la oración.The noun is a fundamental part of the sentence.
- Recuerda estudiar los verbos y los sustantivos para el examen de español.Remember to study the verbs and nouns for the Spanish exam.
- No puedo recordar esa palabra, ¿puedes ayudarme?I can't remember that word, can you help me?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are studying Spanish grammar together.
- ElenaJavier, ¿qué es un nombre en gramática?Javier, what is a noun in grammar?
- JavierEs una palabra que nombra personas o cosas.It is a word that names people or things.
- ElenaEntonces, 'casa' es un nombre.So, 'house' is a noun.
- JavierExacto, Elena, lo has entendido perfectamente.Exactly, Elena, you have understood it perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “noun” translations and entries nombre, nombre sustantivo, nombre substantivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nombre, sustantivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
