teoría
/teoˈɾia/feminine
The English word "theory" is translated into Spanish as teoría.
teoría is a feminine noun used to describe a coherent set of statements that attempt to explain observed phenomena.
Meaning: a coherent set of statements attempting to explain observed phenomena (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of teoría is teorías. If you need to use the word as an adjective, you should use teórica for feminine nouns or teórico for masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/teoˈɾia/
Did you know?
- The word teoría shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'theatre', both coming from the Greek word for 'seeing' or 'spectacle'.
- In Spanish, calling someone a teórico can sometimes be a subtle insult, implying they are someone who talks a lot about ideas but lacks practical experience in the real world.
- While teoría is used for scientific systems, Spanish speakers often use the phrase en teoría to express that something should happen according to a plan, even if they suspect it actually will not.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es tu teoría?What's your theory?This sentence is useful for asking someone to explain their specific theory using teoría.Tatoeba #2235346 by hayastan, translation #2234186 by CK
- Es solo una teoría.It's just a theory.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that something is merely a theory using teoría.Tatoeba #2246787 by Shishir, translation #2243458 by Hybrid
- No comparto tu teoría.I cannot follow your theory.This sentence is useful for expressing disagreement with a specific theory using teoría.Tatoeba #1658491 by hayastan, translation #257123 by shekitten
- La teoría del Big Bang es ampliamente aceptada por los científicos.The theory of the Big Bang is widely accepted by scientists.
- ¡Escucha este chisme! Tengo una teoría sobre por qué no llegó a la fiesta anoche.Listen to this gossip! I have a theory on why he didn't make it to the party last night.
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a science lecture in a library.
- Mateo¿Entendiste la teoría que explicó el profesor?Did you understand the theory the professor explained?
- SofíaNo, la teoría me parece muy difícil.No, the theory seems very difficult to me.
- MateoA mí también me costó trabajo.It was hard for me too.
- SofíaTal vez debamos estudiar más tarde.Maybe we should study later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “theory” translations and entries teoría, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries teoría, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
