Spanish word

idioma

Pronunciation

IPA/iˈðjoma/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlanguage

Example

Estoy aprendiendo un idioma nuevo.

I am learning a new language.

Illustration for idioma (language)

More examples

Hablar varios idiomas abre oportunidades.

Speaking several languages opens up opportunities.

Core concept

System of signs and words that a community uses to communicate.

Common phrases

  • saber un idioma

    speak a language

  • dominar un idioma

    be fluent in a language

  • el idioma natal

    mother tongue

Similar words

lengua: Language system commonly used across a society or nation.
habla: Actual spoken form or particular manner of speaking aloud.
dialecto: Regional speech variety with distinctive pronunciation and vocabulary.

Definition in Spanish

Sistema de signos y palabras con reglas que permite a una comunidad comunicarse entre sí.

Word origin

The Spanish word idioma comes from Greek ἴδιωμα (from ἴδιος 'one's own') via Latin idiōma and originally meant 'a distinctive mode of speech' before generalizing to 'language'.

Usage tips

  • Spanish idioma is a false friend of English idiom, because English idiom refers to a fixed expression while Spanish idioma denotes an entire language.

Related words

Word lists with this word