Gender and plural of Spanish nouns ending in -ma (Greek origin)

Learn about Spanish nouns ending in -ma

Many nouns ending in -ma (from Greek origin) are masculine in Spanish.

Have a look and listen to these examples:

El teorema de Pitágoras es fácil de entender.Pythagoras' theorem is easy to understand.

El sistema del ordenador no funcionaba.The computer system didn't work.

Tengo un dilema bastante complicado.I have a quite complicated dilemma.

El idioma mandarín se habla en China.The Mandarin language is spoken in China.

Remember that articles and adjectives must agree with these masculine nouns.

If you know the direct translation in English you can confirm if nouns have a "Greek origin" by checking if they have a cognate adjective ending in "-matic" (-mático/a in Spanish).

For example:

  • drama = dramático/a
  • problema = problemático/a
  • idioma = idiomático/a

Forming the plural

To form the plural of these masculine nouns simply add an -s.

Have a look and listen to these examples:
 

Mis programas favoritos son las comedias.My favourite programmes are comedies.

Miguel tenía muchos problemas en el trabajo.Miguel had many problems at work.

Ellos van a estudiar todos los temas para el examen.They are going to study all the subjects for the exam.

Los aromas de lavanda son buenos para relajarse.Lavender aromas are good for relaxing.

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Examples and resources

Tengo un dilema bastante complicado.I have a quite complicated dilemma.
El idioma mandarín se habla en China.The Mandarin language is spoken in China.
Mis programas favoritos son las comedias.My favourite programmes are comedies.
Miguel tenía muchos problemas en el trabajo.Miguel had many problems at work.
Ellos van a estudiar todos los temas para el examen.They are going to study all the subjects for the exam.
El sistema del ordenador no funcionaba.The computer system didn't work.
Los aromas de lavanda son buenos para relajarse.Lavender aromas are good for relaxing.
El teorema de Pitágoras es fácil de entender.Pythagoras' theorem is easy to understand.
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