esquema
/esˈkema/
The English word 'scheme' translates to Spanish as esquema.
Esquema refers to a systematic plan of future action. While it can represent a structured plan, it is most frequently used to describe an outline, a diagram or a structural outline of a concept.
Meaning: systematic plan of future action (noun)
Which one should you use?
While esquema can mean a systematic plan, it is more often used to mean an outline, a diagram or a structural outline of a concept.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈkema/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use esquema to mean a fraudulent or devious plot. In Spanish, esquema is generally a neutral term for a structural outline or a logical plan. If you want to describe a devious plot, use trama or intriga instead.
Did you know?
- The Greek root of esquema originally referred to the 'shape' of a body or the 'manner' in which a person carried themselves.
- To describe a fraudulent 'scheme', Spanish speakers use trama, which literally means 'the weave' or 'plot' of a fabric.
- While esquema is neutral, the word maquinación describes a 'scheme' created through elaborate and calculating effort.
Examples in context
- Su esquema resultó erroneo al final.His scheme went wrong in the end.This sentence shows how a plan described by esquema can fail.Tatoeba #5191615 by albrusgher, translation #285952 by Ricardo14
- Toda la cosa resultó ser un esquema Ponzi.The whole thing turned out to be a Ponzi scheme.This sentence uses esquema to describe a Ponzi scheme.Tatoeba #2112027 by teskmon, translation #1473324 by CM
- Aceptado tal cual, el esquema parecía estar correcto.Taken at face value, the scheme seemed OK.This sentence shows an esquema being accepted as correct.Tatoeba #5607204 by albrusgher, translation #3982102 by patgfisher
- Presentó un esquema detallado para mejorar la eficiencia de la empresa.He presented a detailed scheme to improve company efficiency.
- El gobierno introdujo un nuevo plan de impuestos.The government introduced a new tax scheme.
- Se le ocurrió una estratagema elaborada para ganar la apuesta.He came up with an elaborate scheme to win the bet.
- El grupo ideó una trama secreta para derrocar al dictador.The group devised a secret scheme to overthrow the dictator.
- El gobierno implementó un nuevo esquema de pensiones.The government implemented a new pension scheme.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new project plan at the office.
- DanielSofía, ¿ya terminaste el esquema del proyecto?Sofía, have you finished the project scheme yet?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, ya tengo el esquema listo.Yes, Daniel, I already have the scheme ready.
- DanielPerfecto, revisemos el esquema ahora mismo.Perfect, let's review the scheme right now.
- SofíaDe acuerdo, mira este esquema en mi pantalla.Agreed, look at this scheme on my screen.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry esquema, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esquema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
