How do you say "My favorite subject was math" in Spanish?

Question

Speaking about when I was a child, my favorite subject was math. Which is correct?

• Mi asignatura favorita era matemáticas.
• Mi asignatura favorita era las matemáticas.
• Mi asignatura favorita eran las matemáticas.

Or is there a different way to say it?

I think #1 is best - rogspax, Dec 28, 2012

Answer 1

time to eat a little crow! As Rog pointed out, the definite article is not necessary. Check out this link: definite articles

Thanks :) - lizarey, Dec 28, 2012

Answer 2

This looks like a homework problem, so for future reference, you would want to say which answer you think is correct and why, and then ask for input on your choice.

That said, the correct answer is behind door number 2.

This is actually wasn't a homework problem. I'm writing about my childhood and I was thinking about how to construct the sentence. I was also leaning towards answer number 2, but the translators were giving me different answers that didn't look right. - lizarey, Dec 27, 2012

Very good! Didn't mean to lecture you. I'm glad that you realize the translators are only a starting point in trying to write things. Good job! :)) - Noetol, Dec 27, 2012

Answer 3

The three sentences are correct. I would say that 3 and 1 are the most natural ones, in that order. 2 is the less common, at least in my experience.

Answer 4

Number two is correct! If you say no.3 it would be like saying My favourite subject were the maths

Answer 5

"Las matemáticas" is the subject of your sentence, so somehow it feels natural to say the verb in agreement with its number (eran). (Note that we say "soy yo" for "it's me", and not "es yo")

However, "Las matemáticas" can also be understood as a name of a subject. For that reason saying "era" sounds ok too. In any case, the word matemáticas is a tricky one, because it is singular as well as plural.