ciencia
/ˈθjenθja/feminine
The English word "science" is ciencia in Spanish.
ciencia refers to the collective discipline of learning acquired through the scientific method. When speaking about science as an abstract concept or a general field of study, it is almost always preceded by the definite article la, resulting in la ciencia.
Meaning: collective discipline of learning acquired through the scientific method (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ciencia is the singular form, las ciencias is used when referring to specific branches of science, such as the natural or social sciences. Additionally, ciencias naturales refers specifically to the natural sciences.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ciencia is commonly used across all Spanish-speaking regions including Spain, Mexico, Argentina and most Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθjenθja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often omit the definite article and say creer en ciencia instead of the correct creer en la ciencia.
Did you know?
- In common Spanish idioms, having ciencia can sometimes refer to having an inkling or a suspicion about something, rather than formal academic knowledge.
- Beyond the laboratory, ciencia can describe the mastery of a craft or the precision used to perform a specific skill.
- The word ciencia shares the same root as consciencia, which means 'consciousness', linking the concept of scientific knowledge with the act of being aware.
Examples in context
- ¡Creé en la ciencia!Believe in science!This sentence illustrates an imperative use of ciencia.Tatoeba #1944003 by hayastan, translation #1945924 by Scott
- ¡Cree en la ciencia!You've got to believe in science!This sentence shows how to express belief in ciencia.Tatoeba #2083926 by Shishir, translation #9194654 by DJ_Saidez
- No sé nada de ciencia.I know nothing about science.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of knowledge regarding ciencia.Tatoeba #8005689 by Seael, translation #6017328 by mailohilohi
- La ciencia médicaThe medical science
- La ciencia es fascinanteScience is fascinating.
- Me encanta estudiar las ciencias naturalesI love studying natural sciences.
- La física es una ciencia exactaPhysics is an exact science.
- La biología es una de mis ciencias favoritasBiology is one of my favorite sciences.
- ¿Qué libros de ciencia recomiendas?What science books do you recommend?
- Quiero aprender más sobre la ciencia espacialI want to learn more about space science.
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their favorite subjects at school.
- MateoMaría, ¿cuál es tu materia favorita?María, what is your favorite subject?
- MaríaMe gusta mucho la ciencia.I like science a lot.
- MateoA mí también me apasiona la ciencia.I am also passionate about science.
- María¡Entonces estudiemos juntos hoy!Then let's study together today!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “science” translations and entries ciencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
