central
/θenˈtɾal/
The Spanish word for central is central.
central is used to describe something being in the centre. You may also use the synonym principal to mean 'main', or medular to mean 'core'.
Meaning: being in the centre (adj)
Which one should you use?
While central refers to being in the centre, céntrico(a) is a more specific term used to describe someone or something located in or related to the centre of a city or town. Additionally, principal can be used when you mean 'main' and medular when you mean 'core'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word casco is often used to refer to the historical or old town area of a location.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective central is gender-neutral, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. To match plural nouns, the form changes to centrales.
How do you pronounce it?
/θenˈtɾal/
Did you know?
- The Spanish central is derived from the Latin centrālis, which traces back to the Ancient Greek kéntron. This Greek word originally referred to a sharp point or a goad used to steer oxen.
- In Spanish, central is used as a noun to describe a power plant, such as a central nuclear or central térmica.
- In Spanish, a centralita is a telephone switchboard. The diminutive suffix transforms the word for 'central' into a specific piece of communications hardware.
Examples in context
- Sami visitó el parque central.Sami visited Central Park.This sentence shows how to use central to refer to a specific park.Tatoeba #11385422 by Jeigmz, translation #7241480 by OsoHombre
- ¿Hacía dónde queda Central Park?Which way is Central Park?This sentence demonstrates a question using central to ask for a direction toward Central Park.Tatoeba #1731675 by marcelostockle, translation #51267 by CK
- Tayikistán es un país de Asia Central.Tajikistan is a Central Asian country.This sentence uses Central as part of a geographical region name.Tatoeba #10914777 by Eremon, translation #7811128 by Amastan
- La administración está centralizada en la ciudad.The administration is centralized in the city.
- El hotel está en una ubicación céntrica.The hotel is in a central location.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing where to meet for dinner.
- JavierBusquemos un restaurante en la zona central.Let's look for a restaurant in the central area.
- ElenaMe parece bien, es más fácil llegar.That sounds good, it is easier to get there.
- Javier¿Conoces algún sitio bueno por allí?Do you know any good places around there?
- ElenaSí, hay una plaza central con muchas opciones.Yes, there is a central plaza with many options.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “central” translations and entries central, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries central, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
