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mundo means world — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 26, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

mundo

noun • /[MOON-do]/

world

Example:

El mundo cambia cada día.

The world changes every day.

🧠 What does mundo mean?

The noun 'mundo' primarily translates to 'world'. It can refer to the planet Earth, its inhabitants, and human societies in general. Beyond its literal meaning, 'mundo' is often used figuratively to denote a specific sphere, domain, or area of activity, such as 'el mundo de la política' (the world of politics). It is also central to many idiomatic expressions, most notably 'todo el mundo', which means 'everyone' or 'everybody'.

📚 Extra examples

  • La vuelta al mundo en ochenta días es una novela famosa.
    Around the World in Eighty Days is a famous novel.
  • Todo el mundo sabe que el agua es esencial para la vida.
    Everyone knows that water is essential for life.
  • El mundo de la tecnología cambia constantemente.
    The world of technology is constantly changing.
  • Hay un mundo de diferencia entre vivir en la ciudad y en el campo.
    There is a world of difference between living in the city and in the countryside.
  • Es importante cuidar nuestro mundo para las futuras generaciones.
    It is important to take care of our world for future generations.
  • En la fiesta había un mundo de gente.
    There were a ton of people at the party.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'mundo' comes from the Latin 'mundus', which originally meant 'clean, elegant, orderly'. The Romans adopted it as a translation for the Greek 'kósmos' (κόσμος), which also carried the dual meaning of 'order' and 'universe'. This etymology reflects an ancient philosophical view of the universe as a beautifully ordered system.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "mundo"

Synonyms: orbe, tierra, planeta, universo, cosmos
Opposites: nada, individuo, vacío

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'world' in Spanish?
The most direct and common way to say 'world' in Spanish is 'mundo'.
How do you pronounce 'mundo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'MOON-doh'. The 'u' sound is like the 'oo' in the English word 'moon', and the final 'o' is a pure, short vowel sound.
How do you use 'mundo' in a sentence?
You can use it to refer to the planet, as in 'El mundo tiene siete continentes' (The world has seven continents), or to mean 'everyone', as in 'Todo el mundo necesita amigos' (Everyone needs friends).
What is the English translation of 'mundo'?
The English translation of 'mundo' is 'world'.
Does 'mundo' change for gender or number?
'Mundo' is a masculine noun, so it uses the article 'el' (el mundo). It can be made plural to 'mundos' (worlds), for instance when talking about 'mundos paralelos' (parallel worlds), but the singular form is far more common.
Is 'mundo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'mundo' is a very high-frequency word. It is fundamental for conversations on a wide range of topics, from geography and current events to personal opinions.
Does 'mundo' have slang or double meanings?
While not slang, it has important idiomatic uses. 'Todo el mundo' means 'everyone' or 'everybody'. Phrases like 'un mundo de...' mean 'a lot of...' or 'a world of...', as in 'un mundo de problemas' (a lot of problems).
Is 'mundo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and use of 'mundo' are consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. Common expressions like 'todo el mundo' are universally understood.

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