Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Scientist in Spanish
Científico · noun · see-ehn-TEE-fee-koh
The Spanish word for scientist is 'científico' (masculine) or 'científica' (feminine). This word also functions as an adjective meaning 'scientific' — context determines whether it's being used as a noun (the scientist) or adjective (the scientific method). Related terms include 'ciencia' (science) and 'investigador/a' (researcher).
Pronounced see-ehn-TEE-fee-koh with stress on the third syllable. The accent mark on the 'i' marks it as an esdrújula word (antepenultimate stress).
Los científicos descubrieron una nueva especie en el fondo del océano.
The scientists discovered a new species at the bottom of the ocean.
Scientist in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for scientist, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| científico | scientist | see-ehn-TEE-fee-koh | Default, widely understood |
| científica | scientist | feminine form | |
| investigador | scientist | researcher |
How Native Speakers Use Científico
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Career
Mi hija quiere ser científica cuando sea grande.
My daughter wants to be a scientist when she grows up.
Shows feminine form 'científica' in an aspirational context using subjunctive.
News context
Un equipo de científicos mexicanos desarrolló una vacuna innovadora.
A team of Mexican scientists developed an innovative vaccine.
Plural 'científicos' in a news-reporting context about research achievement.
As an adjective
El método científico es la base de toda investigación seria.
The scientific method is the foundation of all serious research.
Demonstrates 'científico' as an adjective modifying 'método' (method).
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Científico
Forgetting the accent mark
Incorrect: El cientifico publicó su estudio.
Correct: El científico publicó su estudio.
The accent on 'científico' is mandatory because it's an esdrújula word (stressed on the antepenultimate syllable). Without it, the pronunciation and word recognition change.
Using masculine form for women
Incorrect: Marie Curie fue un gran científico.
Correct: Marie Curie fue una gran científica.
When referring to a female scientist, use the feminine form 'científica' with feminine articles and adjectives. Modern Spanish fully supports gendered professional titles.
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Common Questions About Scientist in Spanish
- Is 'científico' both a noun and an adjective?
- The word 'científico' serves dual duty as both a noun (el científico = the scientist) and an adjective (el método científico = the scientific method) — the distinction is always clear from sentence structure and context.
- What's the difference between 'científico' and 'investigador'?
- A 'científico' is specifically a scientist who works in natural or applied sciences, while an 'investigador' (researcher) is broader and can include scholars in humanities, social sciences, or any academic field — all scientists are researchers but not all researchers are scientists.
- How do I say different types of scientists in Spanish?
- Specific scientists are named by their field: 'biólogo/a' (biologist), 'químico/a' (chemist), 'físico/a' (physicist), 'astrónomo/a' (astronomer) — each follows the pattern of adding a suffix to the science name, with 'científico' serving as the umbrella term.