Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tema | /ˈtema/ | masculine |
| tópico | /ˈtopiko/ | masculine |
| asunto | /aˈsunto/ | masculine |
| torete | /toˈɾete/ | masculine |
| torillo | /toˈɾiʝo/ | masculine |
tema is the most common and widely-used term for 'topic' in Spanish. It refers to a subject or a theme. You can also use the idiomatic phrase cambiar de tema to mean 'to change the subject' during a conversation.
Which one should you use?
While tema refers to a general subject, asunto is used when the topic refers to a specific matter, business or an issue that needs to be dealt with. Be careful with the word tópico, as it is a false friend. It often refers to a cliché or a common trope rather than a general subject of conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, such as Mexico, temática can be used in place of tema to mean 'topic'.
How does it change in a sentence?
tema is a masculine noun, so it uses the masculine article el (e.g., el tema).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtema/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using tópico if you mean 'subject' or 'theme', as this word typically refers to a cliché.
Did you know?
- The word asunto shares a common ancestor with the English word 'assume', as both come from the Latin 'assūmptus'.
- The phrase cambiar de tema is used not just for changing a subject, but as a social signal to stop discussing a sensitive or uncomfortable matter.
Examples in context
- Sigamos con otro tema.Let's move on to another topic.This sentence is useful for practicing how to move on to another topic using tema.Tatoeba #5633106 by arh, translation #2007358 by CK
- Yo introduje este tema.I started this topic.This sentence shows how to say you started a certain topic using tema.Tatoeba #1827507 by marcelostockle, translation #556794 by kebukebu
- Creo que deberíamos cambiar de tema.I think we should move on to another topic.This sentence demonstrates the idiom to change the subject using tema.Tatoeba #2154495 by hayastan, translation #1887775 by CK
- El tema principal de la conferencia es la economía.The main topic of the conference is the economy.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a school project.
- Daniel¿Cuál es el tema de tu presentación, María?What is the topic of your presentation, María?
- MaríaEl tema es la historia del arte.The topic is the history of art.
- DanielEs un tema muy interesante.It is a very interesting topic.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, me gusta mucho.Thanks, Daniel, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “topic” translations and entries tema, tópico, asunto, torete, torillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asunto, tema, torete, tópico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
