vocabulario
/bokabuˈlaɾjo/
The English phrase 'vocab' is translated into Spanish as vocabulario.
vocabulario refers to the set of words known by a person.
Which one should you use?
léxico is a formal alternative used primarily in academic or linguistic settings.
How do you pronounce it?
/bokabuˈlaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word vocabulario shares a root with vociferar, meaning to shout. Both stem from the Latin root for 'voice', linking the act of naming things to the act of calling out.
- In many Spanish schools, a vocabulario is not just a mental concept but refers to a physical printed list or a specific textbook section.
- In Spanish, the term léxico is not just a formal synonym but is often used to describe the specific 'flavor' or set of words unique to a social class or a specific region.
Examples in context
- ¿Crees que tiene sentido hacer un cuaderno de vocabulario?Do you think making a vocab textbook makes sense?This sentence is useful for discussing the idea of creating a vocabulario notebook.Tatoeba #9445898 by ignacio, translation #9445963 by DJ_Saidez
- Necesito mejorar mi vocabulario para el examen de español.I need to improve my vocabulary for the Spanish exam.
- El léxico de la lengua es muy extenso.The language's lexicon is very extensive.
- Podrías recomendarme algunos términos útiles en el campo de la medicina.Could you recommend some useful terms in the field of medicine?
- No recuerdo muchas palabras que sé en francés.I don't remember many words I know in French.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are studying for a language exam.
- ElenaMateo, ¿estudiaste todo el vocabulario?Mateo, did you study all the vocab?
- MateoSí, pero algunas palabras son difíciles.Yes, but some words are difficult.
- ElenaYo también lucho con el vocabulario nuevo.I also struggle with the new vocab.
- MateoPodemos practicar juntos ahora.We can practice together now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vocabulario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
