tema
/ˈtema/masculine
The English word 'theme' can be translated into Spanish as tema. Wiktionary also lists temática.
Meaning: subject of a talk or an artistic piece (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tema | /ˈtema/ | masculine |
| temática | /teˈmatika/ | feminine |
Tema is a common word used to describe a specific subject or topic, such as a topic of conversation, a subject of study or an artistic theme. For more formal contexts regarding a matter or an issue, you may use asunto.
Which one should you use?
While tema refers to a specific subject or theme, temática is used to refer to the broader thematic scope or the general subject matter of a work.
How does it change in a sentence?
Tema is a masculine noun. Its plural form is temas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtema/
Did you know?
- If someone says es un tema, they might not be talking about a subject, but rather implying that a situation is 'a whole thing' or a complicated problem.
- While tema is neutral, using the phrase dar tema can mean to provide a reason for gossip or to cause a scandal.
- In Spanish grammar, tema refers to the part of a word that remains constant when adding suffixes, similar to a 'root' or 'stem'.
Examples in context
- No es mi tema preferido.It isn't my preferred theme.This sentence shows how to express a preference regarding a tema.Tatoeba #503448 by Leono, translation #707335 by papabear
- ¿Cuál es el tema de la novela?What's the theme of the novel?This sentence is useful for asking about the tema of a novel.Tatoeba #5992955 by albrusgher, translation #3071388 by sharptoothed
- ¿Cuál es el tema de su última novela?What is the theme of his latest novel?This sentence is useful for asking about the tema of someone's latest novel.Tatoeba #623379 by Leono, translation #285210 by Eldad
- El tema principal de la novela es el amorThe main theme of the novel is love
- El asunto central del discurso es la importancia de la educaciónThe central theme of the speech is the importance of education
- La película trata sobre el tema de la amistadThe movie is about the theme of friendship
- La trama de la novela desarrolla el tema de la venganzaThe novel's plot develops the theme of revenge
- Los asuntos que se trataron en la reunión no fueron tan importantesThe themes discussed in the meeting were not that important
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a project at a university.
- AlejandroElena, ¿ya elegiste el tema de tu proyecto?Elena, have you chosen the theme for your project yet?
- ElenaTodavía no, Alejandro. Es un tema muy complejo.Not yet, Alejandro. It is a very complex theme.
- AlejandroSi necesitas ayuda con tu tema, dímelo.If you need help with your theme, let me know.
- ElenaGracias, eres muy amable.Thanks, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “theme” translations and entries tema, temática, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
