Names of the Week in Spanish

Inside: Names of the week in Spanish class. Learning the names of the days of the week in Spanish.

Teaching Days of the Week in Spanish Class

What are the Days of the Week in Spanish?

Names of the days of the week in Spanish and English.

Teaching Days of the Week in Spanish Class shared by Mis Clases Locas

Names of the week in Spanish

  • lunes – Monday
  • martes – Tuesday
  • miércoles – Wednesday
  • jueves – Thursday
  • viernes – Friday
  • sábado – Saturday
  • domingo – Sunday

Notice days of the week are not capitalized in Spanish. Typically, the first day of the week in most Spanish-speaking places is Monday. This is different from most calendars in the USA that start with Sunday.

Spanish Class Routines for Each Day of the Week

For many years I have used themed class starters or bell ringers in my Spanish classes. These can be used right away to start a class or as a brain break mid-class. Click each activity to learn more.

Read more > Bell Ringers for Spanish Class & Spanish Class Routines

Get bell ringers for every single day of Spanish class >> NEW Spanish Bell Ringers Para Empezar 2024

Learn the names of the week in Spanish Class

The best Days of the Week Songs in Spanish.

Teaching Days of the Week in Spanish Class shared by Mis Clases Locas

Days of the Week Song in Spanish 1 – Sing the tune of the Flinstones

I can’t find a video or recorded version of my favorite way to learn the days of the week in Spanish. Just sing each line to the tune of the theme song from The Flintstones.

  • lu-nes, martes, miércoles, jueves, viernes, sábado, domingo
  • lu-nes, martes, miércoles, jueves, viernes, sábado, domingo

Names of the week in Spanish Song 2 – Sing the tune of The Adams Family

  • días de la semana (snap snap), días de la semana (snap snap), de la semana , de la semana , de la semana (snap snap)
  • lunes y martes, miércoles y jueves, viernes, sábado, yy do-min-go
  • días de la semana (snap snap), días de la semana (snap snap), de la semana , de la semana , de la semana (snap snap)

I could not find a video of exactly the version I learned in school. This Youtube video shows the tune, but starts with domingo instead.

Days of the Week in Spanish song 3 – Siempre Spanish

  • lunes, martes, lunes, martes, miércoles, miércoles
  • jueves y viernes, jueves y viernes, sábado, domingo
  • Repeat as many times as you would like

Names of the Week in Spanish – learn more

Teaching Days of the Week in Spanish Class shared by Mis Clases Locas

lunes (Monday)

First, the Spanish word for Monday, lunes, comes from the Latin term “dies Lunae.” This means “day of the moon.” In many cultures, Monday is associated with the moon. As the first day of the traditional workweek, “lunes” sets the tone for the week. Just like the moon guides the night.

martes (Tuesday)

Next, Tuesday in Spanish is “martes,” derived from the Latin “dies Martis.” This day is from the Roman god of war, Mars. It’s a day to tackle challenges head-on and pursue one’s goals. But also, martes 13 is the day of bad luck. This is similar to Friday the 13th in the USA.

miércoles (Wednesday)

Miércoles or Wednesday, comes from the Latin “dies Mercurii.” This is named after the Roman god Mercury, messenger of the gods. In Spanish, Wednesday embodies communication, exchange, and versatility. It marks the middle of the week, signaling a time for reflection and adaptation. This is similar to Mercury’s ability to traverse different realms.

jueves (Thursday)

Then, Thursday is jueves in Spanish. It originates from the Latin “dies Iovis.” Jueves is dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Thursday is associated with expansion, growth, and abundance. It’s a day to embrace opportunities and cultivate prosperity.

viernes (Friday)

Viernes, the Spanish name for Friday, is from the Latin “dies Veneris.” Viernes honors Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. In Spanish-speaking countries, Friday embodies celebration, romance, and indulgence. It marks the end of the week and the beginning of leisure time, inviting people to unwind and enjoy life’s pleasures. A perfect time for Baile viernes!

sábado (Saturday)

Also, Saturday in Spanish, comes from the Hebrew word “shabbat,” meaning Sabbath or day of rest. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, Saturday is a time for relaxation. It’s a day to spend with loved ones and engage in activities you enjoy.

domingo (Sunday)

Lastly, Sunday is known as domingo in Spanish, originating from the Latin “dies Dominicus.” This means “Lord’s day.” Sunday holds significance in many cultures as a day of rest, reflection, and religious observance. It’s a time to recharge and prepare for the week ahead.

Teaching Days of the Week in Spanish Class shared by Mis Clases Locas

How to teach the names of the week in Spanish class

If you teach younger students or an Exploratory Spanish class, you could dedicate one class period to learning the days of the week in Spanish.

When my high school students taught Elementary Spanish Lessons across the street they often did days of week in Spanish mini-lessons. The main content was learning a day-of-the-week song.

Also, for older students having the daily calendar in the front of the room is a great visual. For novice classes, start each class at the beginning of the year with a quick calendar talk. The daily repetition of today is… and the days of the week in Spanish spiral review all year.

Finally, using the day of the week in context with plans, dates, schedules, and calendar talk keeps learning the names of the week in Spanish relevant.

More Spanish Class Basics

Want more Novice Spanish Resources?

Enter your email below for my #1 activity for any new group of Spanish students, name game speedball.

Share it:

Email
Pinterest
Facebook
X
LinkedIn