lengua
/ˈlenɡwa/feminine
The English word "tongue" is translated into Spanish as lengua. Wiktionary also lists argüendero.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lengua | /ˈlenɡwa/ | feminine |
| argüendero | /aɾɡwendeɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The word lengua refers to the physical organ in the mouth, but it is also the word used to mean "language".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun lengua is feminine and is used with the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlenɡwa/
Did you know?
- The phrase tener la lengua larga literally means 'to have a long tongue', but it is used to describe someone who talks too much or reveals secrets.
- The English word 'language' and the Spanish word lengua are actually close relatives, both descending from the same Latin root 'lingua'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, lengua is a popular culinary dish, specifically the braised tongue of a cow, often served in tacos or sandwiches.
Examples in context
- A ver su lengua.Let me see your tongue.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase when asking to see someone's lengua.Tatoeba #1654697 by marcelostockle, translation #272646 by CK
- Me quemé la lengua.I burnt my tongue.This sentence is useful for describing a physical injury to the lengua.Tatoeba #1624727 by marcelostockle, translation #1624934 by marcelostockle
- Me mordí la lengua.I bit my tongue.This sentence is useful for describing an accident involving the lengua.Tatoeba #4762576 by DarkHollow, translation #2226329 by CK
- Su lengua está rosaHis/Her tongue is pink
- Tengo la lengua dormidaMy tongue is asleep
- Tiene una lengua afiladaHe/She has a sharp tongue
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at the doctor's office.
- MateoAbre la boca y saca la lengua, por favor.Open your mouth and stick out your tongue, please.
- LucíaTengo la lengua un poco blanca.My tongue is a little white.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Lucía, es normal.Don't worry, Lucía, it is normal.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo. Ya terminé.Thanks, Mateo. I'm finished now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tongue” translations and entries lengua, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lengua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
