Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Math in Spanish
Matemáticas · noun (feminine, plural) · mah-teh-MAH-tee-kahs
In Spanish, 'math' is translated as 'matemáticas.' Unlike English, where 'math' is singular, Spanish always treats this noun as plural: las matemáticas. In casual conversation in Spain, you may also hear 'mates.'
mah-teh-MAH-tee-kahs
Las matemáticas son mi materia favorita.
Math is my favorite subject.
Math in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for math, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| matemáticas | math | mah-teh-MAH-tee-kahs | Default, widely understood |
| mates | math | Spain (informal) |
How Native Speakers Use Matemáticas
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Talking about a school subject
Las matemáticas son mi materia favorita.
Math is my favorite subject.
Note: the verb 'son' (are) agrees with the plural noun in Spanish.
Asking for help with homework
¿Me puedes ayudar con las matemáticas?
Can you help me with math?
Always use the article 'las' before 'matemáticas' when referring to the subject in general.
Informal usage in Spain
Tengo examen de mates mañana.
I have a math test tomorrow.
'Mates' is a colloquial shortening common in Spain but rarely used in Latin America.
Describing difficulty
Las matemáticas no se me dan bien.
I'm not good at math.
This reflexive construction is a natural way to express aptitude in Spanish.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Matemáticas
Using the singular form
Incorrect: La matemática es difícil.
Correct: Las matemáticas son difíciles.
In everyday Spanish, 'matemáticas' is always plural. The singular 'matemática' exists only in very formal or academic contexts to refer to the discipline itself.
Dropping the article
Incorrect: Me gustan matemáticas.
Correct: Me gustan las matemáticas.
Spanish requires the definite article 'las' before 'matemáticas' when referring to the subject in general.
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See Matemáticas used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using matemáticas in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Las matemáticas son mi materia favorita. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Math in Spanish
- Why is 'matemáticas' plural in Spanish when 'math' is singular in English?
- Spanish treats 'matemáticas' as an inherently plural noun, similar to how English treats 'scissors' or 'pants.' You always pair it with plural articles and verb forms.
- What does 'mates' mean in Spanish?
- In Spain, 'mates' is an informal abbreviation of 'matemáticas,' used mainly among students and in casual speech. It is not common in Latin America.
- Is 'la matemática' ever correct?
- Technically, 'la matemática' can appear in formal academic writing to refer to the field as a whole, but in daily conversation and schooling, 'las matemáticas' is the standard form.