ramita
/raˈmita/feminine
In Spanish, the English phrase 'twig' is translated as ramita. Wiktionary also lists ramilla and vara.
Meaning: a small thin branch (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ramita | /raˈmita/ | feminine |
| ramilla | /raˈmiʝa/ | feminine |
| vara | /ˈbaɾa/ | feminine |
The word refers to a small, thin or delicate branch.
What does it mean word for word?
ramita is the diminutive form of rama, which means 'branch', so it literally translates to 'little branch'.
Which one should you use?
Use ramita for a small, thin or delicate twig, whereas rama refers to a standard branch. While vara can mean a thin branch, it more commonly refers to a straight stick, rod or cane used for hitting or measuring. Additionally, ramilla is another form for a twig.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ramita is ramitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/raˈmita/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase medir con la misma vara means to judge everyone by the same standard. It uses vara not as a 'twig' but as a metaphorical ruler for fairness.
- The etymology of vara actually traces back to the Latin word for a 'fork', referring to the natural Y-shape of a split branch.
- In many Spanish-speaking-speaking countries, the word vara is used as a unit of measurement for length, much like 'foot' or 'inch' in English.
Examples in context
- El pájaro cogió la ramita con el pico y se fue volando hasta su nido.The bird picked up the twig with its beak and flew to its nest.This sentence shows how a bird might use a ramita.Tatoeba #1792048 by Shishir, translation #657149 by darinmex
- El árbol tiene varias ramas pequeñasThe tree has several twigs
- Ella recogió una ramita del sueloShe picked up a twig from the ground
- Mi gato siempre juega con palitos que encuentra en el jardínMy cat always plays with twigs it finds in the garden
- Encontré una ramita en el camino.I found a small twig on the path.
- La ramita se rompió con el viento.The twig broke with the wind.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are walking through a forest.
- LucíaMira esta ramita, es muy bonita.Look at this twig, it is very pretty.
- Daniel¿Quieres que la guarde para ti, Lucía?Do you want me to keep it for you, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, gracias, Daniel.No, thanks, Daniel.
- DanielEstá bien, sigamos caminando.Alright, let's keep walking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twig” translations and entries ramita, ramilla, vara, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ramilla, ramita, vara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
