mapa del tesoro
/mapa del tesoɾo/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase treasure map is translated into Spanish as mapa del tesoro.
The term refers to a map on which the location of a treasure is marked.
Meaning: map on which is marked the location of a treasure (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mapa (map), del (a contraction of de meaning 'of' and el meaning 'the') and tesoro (treasure).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, mapa del tesoro is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the word mapa changes to mapas, while del tesoro remains singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/mapa del tesoɾo/
Did you know?
- The word mapa actually traces back to the Latin word for a 'napkin' or a cloth used to wipe one's mouth. It is thought that these cloths were originally used to mark out spaces or starting signals in races.
- In Spanish, mapa is a masculine noun, so you say el mapa. This is an exception to the general rule that nouns ending in -a are feminine.
- The word tesoro is frequently used as a term of endearment for children or romantic partners, similar to the English word 'sweetheart' or 'treasure'.
Examples in context
- El arqueólogo encontró un antiguo mapa del tesoro.The archaeologist found an ancient treasure map.
- Mira qué encontré en el baúl, ¡un mapa del tesoro!Look what I found in the chest, a treasure map!
- El pirata encontró un mapa del tesoro.The pirate found a treasure map.
- Encontré un viejo mapa del tesoro en el desván.I found an old treasure map in the attic.
- El mapa del tesoro está escondido en este libro.The treasure map is hidden in this book.
- No podemos leer el mapa del tesoro sin una linterna.We cannot read the treasure map without a flashlight.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are playing a game in the living room.
- María¿Dónde pusiste el mapa del tesoro, Daniel?Where did you put the treasure map, Daniel?
- DanielLo tengo guardado en mi mochila.I have it kept in my backpack.
- María¡Qué emocionante! Vamos a buscarlo.How exciting! Let's go look for it.
- DanielSí, la aventura comienza ahora.Yes, the adventure begins now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “treasure map” translations, 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 del, mapa, tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
