ciencias sociales
/θjenθjas soθjales/from spelling rules
The English phrase "social studies" is translated into Spanish as ciencias sociales.
In Spanish-speaking educational systems, the academic field is almost always referred to as ciencias sociales rather than a literal translation of "social studies".
Meaning: study of various subjects (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ciencias sociales literally translates to "social sciences".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using a definite article with this phrase, you must use the feminine plural article las to say las ciencias sociales (the social sciences).
How do you pronounce it?
/θjenθjas soθjales/
Did you know?
- In some educational systems, 'social studies' is translated as estudios sociales, but this is often viewed as a direct anglicism and is less common than ciencias sociales.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, students do not have a single 'social studies' class, but rather separate subjects like geografía or historia that fall under the umbrella of ciencias sociales.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, ciencias sociales is not just a classroom subject but a formal university faculty, often denoted as the Facultad de Ciencias Sociales.
Examples in context
- En la escuela, tenemos una clase de estudios sociales tres veces por semana.In school, we have a social studies class three times a week.
- Me gustan las ciencias sociales.I like social studies.
- Ella estudia ciencias sociales en la universidad.She studies social studies at the university.
- Tenemos un examen de ciencias sociales mañana.We have a social studies exam tomorrow.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about their school subjects.
- Mateo¿Qué materia prefieres, María?Which subject do you prefer, María?
- MaríaPrefiero las ciencias sociales.I prefer social studies.
- MateoA mí también me encantan.I love them too.
- MaríaEs una materia muy interesante.It is a very interesting subject.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciencias sociales, 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.
