semana
/seˈmana/feminine
The Spanish word for "week" is semana.
semana refers to a period of seven days.
Meaning: period of seven days (noun)
Which one should you use?
Semana is an abbreviation commonly used in written contexts such as agendas or schedules. La semanita is an informal diminutive form of la semana.
How does it change in a sentence?
semana is a feminine noun. Therefore, when using the definite article "the", you must use the feminine form la to say la semana. To make the phrase plural, change the noun to semanas and the article to las to form las semanas.
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈmana/
When do people say it?
The expression la semana que viene is used in everyday speech to mean "next week".
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word quincena to describe a period of two weeks, which is a much more common term for pay cycles than in English.
- In Spanish, you do not capitalize the days of the week that make up a semana, unlike in English where they are always capitalized.
- The phrase Semana Santa refers to Holy Week, a period of immense cultural and religious significance with massive processions in cities like Seville.
Examples in context
- La semana se acabó.The week is over.This sentence shows how to say the week is finished using semana.Tatoeba #1267339 by marcelostockle, translation #1266049 by CM
- Lo hacen cada semana.They do it each week.This sentence demonstrates the use of semana to mean "each week".Tatoeba #1567741 by marcelostockle, translation #1567739 by Spamster
- Ya dormí esta semana.I've already slept this week.This sentence shows how to use semana when referring to "this week".Tatoeba #3564993 by ficion, translation #3519206 by RU
- El examen será la próxima semanaThe exam will be next week
- Lun 8 AM – 10 AM: Clase de historiaMon 8 AM – 10 AM: History class
- ¡Qué bueno que ya es viernes! Espero que la semanita que viene sea relajadaIt's great that it's already Friday! I hope next week will be relaxed
- Nos vemos la semana que vieneSee you next week
- 793 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about their schedules over coffee.
- Javier¿Cómo va tu semana, María?How is your week going, María?
- MaríaMuy bien, pero estoy cansada.Very well, but I am tired.
- JavierYo también, esta semana es pesada.Me too, this week is heavy.
- MaríaSí, espero que pase rápido.Yes, I hope it passes quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “week” translations and entries semana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
