semana
/seˈmana/
The Spanish word semana means a week.
semana refers to a period of seven consecutive days. To say "last week," you can use the phrases semana pasada or semana anterior.
How does it change in a sentence?
semana is a feminine noun, so it is preceded by the feminine article la to say "the week" (la semana). The plural form of the word is semanas.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈmana/
When do people say it?
Semana Santa (Holy Week) refers to the week preceding Easter Sunday and holds significant cultural and religious importance in Spanish-speaking countries.
Did you know?
- The word semana shares a common ancestor with the English word 'september', as both derive from the Latin root for the number seven.
- While semana refers to the seven-day cycle, the word quincena is frequently used in Spanish to describe a two-week period, especially regarding paychecks.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the first day of la semana is considered to be Monday (lunes) rather than Sunday.
Examples in context
- Inicia la semana con entusiasmo y compromiso.Start the week with enthusiasm and commitment.
- El informe será entregado semanalmente.The report will be delivered weekly.
- ¡Qué buena semana hemos tenido!We've had a great week!
- La semana pasada visité a mis abuelos.Last week, I visited my grandparents.
- la semana que vieneNext week
- La próxima semana tengo mucho trabajo.Next week I have a lot of work.
- Nos vemos la semana que viene.See you next week.
- He trabajado toda la semana.I have worked all week.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their schedules at a cafe.
- DanielSofía, ¿qué planes tienes para la semana?Sofía, what plans do you have for the week?
- SofíaNo tengo planes, Daniel.I don't have plans, Daniel.
- DanielQué bien, yo estaré muy ocupado.That's good, I will be very busy.
- SofíaEspero que descanses un poco.I hope you rest a little.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry semana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
