Colorful dripping letter "S" with vibrant layered design

Spanish Words That Start With S

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Imagine you’re standing at the precipice of a vast ocean of knowledge. Now, imagine that the ocean is the Spanish language, and the waves carry forth countless Spanish words, each with its unique story. Today, we’ll embark on an exploration of Spanish words that start with the letter “S”. So, shall we sail this sea of Spanish?

History Of Letter S In Spanish Language

Spanish, like all languages, is alive. It breathes, grows, and occasionally looks back at its roots. One of its vital letters is the letter “S”. Do you know how the “S” sound tickled the tongues of those speaking Old Spanish?

Evolution and Origins

The letter “S” in Spanish has intriguing origins. It can be traced back to the Latin alphabet, from which the Spanish language draws much of its character. But, unlike English, Spanish has certain idiosyncrasies. Ever noticed how Spanish words like “casa” (house) have a soft “S” sound? It’s the beautiful nuances that make Spanish words so captivating.

Modern Usage and Popularity

Today, the letter “S” in Spanish plays an essential role. Whether you’re talking about “sol” (sun) or searching for “sal” (salt), this letter is almost everywhere. It’s no surprise that many Spanish cognates, words that share a similar origin and meaning in both Spanish and English, also start with the letter “S”.

Spanish Nouns Starting With S (Sustantivos)

Nouns are the bedrock of any language. Simply put, nouns are words that name people, places, things, ideas, or actions. They form the subjects of our sentences and give us the means to share stories, relay experiences, and communicate ideas. Intrigued? Let’s delve into an exciting list of Spanish nouns that start with the letter “S”!

Spanish 

English

Sol

Sun

Sal

Salt

Silla

Chair

Sombra

Shadow

Sonrisa

Smile

Suelo

Floor/Ground

Sueño

Dream

Sabor

Flavor/Taste

Sangre

Blood

Sorpresa

Surprise

DID YOU KNOW…? 

In the Spanish alphabet, the letter “S” has a twin! Historically, there was an additional letter known as “ch”, which sounded like a sharp “S”. While “ch” is no longer considered a separate letter in modern Spanish, its legacy is a testament to the language’s evolving nature.

Spanish 

English

Sabiduría

Wisdom

Sistema

System

Símbolo

Symbol

Seda

Silk

Suerte

Luck

Sombrero

Hat

Secreto

Secret

Sendero

Path

Sello

Stamp/Seal

Salsa

Sauce

As we wrap up our list, let’s highlight an interesting fact from our exploration. The noun “Sueño” is a beautiful example of the duality in the Spanish language. It can mean both “sleep” and “dream”, indicating a close connection between rest and the world of our imaginations in Spanish culture. It’s these intricate details that make the journey into learning Spanish nouns starting with “S” so captivating. From tangible objects to profound concepts, each noun offers a unique insight into the Spanish language and its rich tapestry of life and culture.

Spanish Verbs Starting With S (Verbos)

Verbs are the action words in a sentence. They breathe life into our statements by describing actions, states, or occurrences. If nouns are the backbone, verbs are the heartbeats of any language, providing momentum and dynamism. Eager to expand your Spanish vocabulary? Let’s jump into a selection of Spanish verbs that all begin with the letter “S”!

Spanish 

English

Ser

To be (permanent/essential qualities)

Saber

To know (a fact, information)

Sentir

To feel

Sonreír

To smile

Soñar

To dream

Saltar

To jump

Salir

To go out/leave

Seguir

To follow

Servir

To serve

Sacar

To take out

Branch with red berries framed by a spiral design
Image by Olha Ivanova via Unsplash

Spanish 

English

Susurrar

To whisper

Sumar

To add

Sorprender

To surprise

Sujetar

To hold/grasp

Sostener

To sustain/hold up

Subir

To go up/climb

Solicitar

To request/apply

Señalar

To signal/point out

Sudar

To sweat

Suponer

To suppose/assume

Spanish Adverbs Starting With S (Adverbios)

Adverbs are the seasoning of language; they describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs. They often tell us how, when, where, or to what extent something is done. Think of them as the dashes of color or flavor that provide depth and richness to a statement. Curious to learn more? Let’s explore a set of Spanish adverbs that begin with the intriguing letter “S”!

Spanish 

English

Siempre

Always

Sólo/Solamente

Only

Seguramente

Surely

Súbitamente

Suddenly

Silenciosamente

Silently

Sinceramente

Sincerely

Sobre todo

Above all

Simultáneamente

Simultaneously

Sutilmente

Subtly

Seguido

Often

FUN FACT…

In certain regions like Andalusia in Spain and some Latin American countries, the “S” at the end of a word can become silent. So, “pues” sounds like “pue,” adding a unique regional twist to the language!

Spanish 

English

Sabrosamente

Tastily

Suavemente

Gently/Smoothly

Sumamente

Extremely

Sospechosamente

Suspiciously

Sensatamente

Sensibly

Seriamente

Seriously

Secamente

Dryly

Satisfactoriamente

Satisfactorily

Sorprendentemente

Surprisingly

Simple y sencillamente

Plain and simply

Upon revisiting our list, an adverb stands out in its uniqueness: “Simple y sencillamente“. This adverbial phrase, directly translated as “plain and simple”, beautifully captures the Spanish language’s penchant for emphasis through repetition. The use of two words to convey a straightforward idea is poetic and demonstrates the language’s rich expressive potential. Diving into Spanish adverbs that start with “S” not only enriches our linguistic toolkit but also allows us to savor the intricate beauty and rhythm of the Spanish tongue. 

Spanish Adjectives Starting With S (Adjetivos)

Adjectives are the colorists of language. They modify nouns and pronouns, offering details that describe or clarify. If nouns are the canvas, adjectives are the strokes of paint that give it depth, emotion, and dimension. Ready to amplify your vocabulary? Let’s delve into some Spanish adjectives that light up our sentences, all starting with the sparkling letter “S”!

Spanish 

English

Sabroso

Tasty

Sano

Healthy

Sincero

Sincere

Seco

Dry

Suave

Smooth/Soft

Simple

Simple

Sorprendente

Surprising

Sutil

Subtle

Soleado

Sunny

Seguro

Safe/Secure

White letter S on an orange wall
Image by Mike Hindle via Unsplash

Spanish 

English

Superior

Superior

Sólido

Solid

Siguiente

Following/Next

Suspicaz

Suspicious

Sensato

Sensible

Sedoso

Silky

Sociable

Sociable

Silencioso

Silent

Sintético

Synthetic

Sensacional

Sensational

As we wind down our list, the adjective “Sedoso” stands out. Drawing a direct connection to the noun “seda” (silk), “sedoso” beautifully exemplifies how Spanish adjectives often evolve from their noun counterparts. The fluid relationship between nouns and adjectives in Spanish unveils a rich linguistic tapestry where words are interwoven, each relying on the other for depth and nuance. The journey into Spanish adjectives starting with “S” doesn’t just offer descriptive tools; it unravels stories, feelings, and cultural ties. Each adjective not only adds color to our statements but also deepens our bond with the Spanish-speaking world.

Wrapping up the Search for “S”

It’s been a thrilling journey sailing the sea of Spanish words that start with the letter “S”. We’ve touched upon its history, explored various word forms, and even dived deep into its everyday usage. The beauty of the Spanish language lies not just in its words, but in the culture, emotions, and stories behind each word.

Whether you’re just starting your Spanish learning journey or looking to deepen your understanding, remember that every letter, every word, has a tale to tell. And at SpanishVIP, our Dedicated Teachers and Student Success Advisors are excited to explore these stories with you. Start with a  free 1:1 class or free 7 days of group classes, and embark on a linguistic journey like no other.

Explore, learn, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Spanish. After all, every word is a doorway to a new world, a new experience. And we’re here to guide you through every door. ¡Hasta la próxima! (See you next time!)

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