semilla
/seˈmiʝa/
The English phrase 'seed' is translated into Spanish as semilla.
In an agricultural context, semilla refers to any propagative portion of a plant that can be sown. It is also used metaphorically for the 'seed' or origin of an idea or movement.
Meaning: agriculture: any propagative portion of a plant which may be sown (noun)
Which one should you use?
La simiente refers to the seed as a reproductive structure, often used in a more figurative sense. La semillita is the diminutive form of semilla used affectionately or informally to refer to a small seed.
Is it said differently in some regions?
La pepa is commonly used in certain regions to refer to seeds of fruits like watermelons, melons or cucumbers.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun semilla is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la. The plural form of semilla is semillas.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈmiʝa/
Did you know?
- While semilla is the standard word, pepita is used specifically for the small seeds of a fruit or even a gold nugget.
- The word semilla shares an unexpected linguistic relative with the English word 'seminar', as both trace back to the Latin root for 'seed' or 'germination'.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, the word pepa can also be used as slang to refer to a 'pill' or a small pill of medicine.
Examples in context
- La semilla de la revolución es la represión.The seed of revolution is repression.This sentence shows how semilla can be used metaphorically to describe the origin of a movement.Tatoeba #1142594 by cueyayotl, translation #1142121 by DarkLinkXXXX
- Monsanto controla el 27% del mercado mundial de semillas.Monsanto controls 27% of the world seed market.This sentence uses semillas in an agricultural and commercial context.Tatoeba #2220952 by hayastan, translation #4850089 by Serveto
- Semilla tras semilla se hace el pan.Seed after seed will make bread.This sentence illustrates the use of semilla in a repetitive phrase to show a process.Tatoeba #1007047 by dexiee, translation #396737 by FeuDRenais
- Una manzana sin pepitasA seedless apple
- La simiente del cambio está en nuestras manosThe seed of change is in our hands
- Me gustan las semillitas de girasolI like sunflower seeds
- Me encanta comer pepas de sandíaI love eating watermelon seeds
- Las plantas comienzan a partir de las semillasPlants start from seeds
- Necesito comprar semillas de flores para mi jardínI need to buy flower seeds for my garden
- Él sembró la simiente del éxitoHe planted the seed of success
- ¿Tienes semillitas de girasol?Do you have any sunflower seeds?
- Vamos a tostar unas pepitas de calabazaLet's roast some pumpkin seeds
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are preparing to plant a vegetable garden.
- Sofía¿Tienes la semilla de tomate, Javier?Do you have the tomato seed, Javier?
- JavierSí, la tengo en la mano.Yes, I have it in my hand.
- SofíaPerfecto, vamos a sembrarla ahora.Perfect, let's sow it now.
- JavierEs una buena semilla para este clima.It is a good seed for this climate.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry semilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
