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esquema means outline — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 16, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

esquema

noun • /[es-KE-ma]/

outline

Example:

Prepara un esquema antes de escribir.

Prepare an outline before writing.

🧠 What does esquema mean?

Un esquema is a structured summary that presents the main ideas and points of a topic, text, or project in a logical and hierarchical way. It serves as a guide or blueprint, often using key words, short phrases, and indentation to show relationships between concepts. Beyond academics, it can also refer to a plan, diagram, or a general system of organization for any activity or concept.

📚 Extra examples

  • Antes de escribir el ensayo, el profesor nos pidió que preparáramos un esquema detallado.
    Before writing the essay, the professor asked us to prepare a detailed outline.
  • El esquema del proyecto muestra las fases, los plazos y las responsabilidades de cada equipo.
    The project plan shows the phases, deadlines, and responsibilities of each team.
  • Para entender la gramática, es útil tener un esquema de las conjugaciones verbales.
    To understand the grammar, it's useful to have a diagram of the verb conjugations.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'esquema' comes from the Latin 'schema', which itself originates from the Greek 'skhēma' (σχῆμα), meaning 'form, shape, or figure'. This shared root with the English word 'scheme' highlights its fundamental meaning of a structured plan or model.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "esquema"

Synonyms: bosquejo, resumen, guion, plan, diagrama, estructura
Opposites: desorden, caos, confusión

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'outline' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'outline' in an academic or planning context is 'esquema'. Other options include 'bosquejo' (more like a rough sketch) or 'guion' (often for a speech or presentation).
How do you pronounce 'esquema' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /es-KE-ma/. The 'es' is like the 'es' in 'establish'. The 'que' sounds like 'ke' in 'kettle', and the final 'ma' is like the 'ma' in 'mama'.
How do you use 'esquema' in a sentence?
You can use it when referring to a plan or structured summary. For example: 'Hice un esquema para organizar mis ideas antes de la presentación.' (I made an outline to organize my ideas before the presentation.)
What is the English translation of 'esquema'?
The primary English translation is 'outline'. Depending on the context, it can also mean 'diagram', 'plan', or 'scheme'.
Does 'esquema' change for gender or number?
Yes, for number. 'Esquema' is a masculine noun, so you use masculine articles like 'el' and 'un'. The plural form is 'esquemas' (los esquemas, unos esquemas).
Is 'esquema' common in everyday Spanish?
It is very common, particularly in academic, educational, and professional environments where planning and organization are discussed. While not as frequent in very casual conversation, it is a widely understood word.
Does 'esquema' have slang or double meanings?
'Esquema' does not have slang meanings. However, similar to the English word 'scheme', it can sometimes refer to a complex system or plan that might have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, such as 'un esquema piramidal' (a pyramid scheme). The core meaning remains a structured plan.
Is 'esquema' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the use of 'esquema' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. It is a standard term in academic and professional settings throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

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