semilla
seed
noun seh-MEE-yah Less Common
Origin: From a diminutive of Latin semen ('seed'); the exact intermediate form is uncertain.
Usage Note
Semilla is used both literally (plantar semillas) and figuratively (la semilla de la discordia — the seed of discord). The related verb sembrar means 'to sow', and a semillero is a seed bed or, figuratively, a hotbed (e.g. semillero de talentos — a nursery for talent).
Examples
"Plantamos semillas en el jardín esta primavera."
Natural Translation
We planted seeds in the garden this spring.

Free starter pack
Building your Spanish vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read