organizaciones de base
/oɾɡaniθaθjones de base/from spelling rules
The English phrase "grassroots organizations" is translated into Spanish as organizaciones de base.
This phrase refers to groups formed by ordinary people in a community to work toward a common goal from the bottom up. If you are referring to broader social movements rather than specific formal organizations, you should use movimientos de base.
What does it mean word for word?
The component de base literally means "of base" or "from the base", which reflects the bottom-up nature of these movements.
Which one should you use?
While organizaciones de base is the standard plural, you may occasionally encounter organizaciones de bases in certain political contexts, although the singular base is more common when acting as an adjective-like modifier. Additionally, organizaciones comunitarias can be used as a synonym, but it lacks the specific political connotation found in organizaciones de base.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single grassroots organization, use the singular form organización de base.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾɡaniθaθjones de base/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American contexts, the term base is heavily associated with 'teología de la liberación' (liberation theology), where 'las bases' refers to the marginalized community members leading social change.
- While English uses the metaphor of 'grass' to describe these groups, Spanish uses the concept of a 'base', which evokes the imagery of a structural foundation rather than a plant.
- In high-level political debates in Spanish, a leader might be accused of 'betraying the base', referring to the grassroots supporters they once represented.
Examples in context
- El movimiento feminista se ha convertido en una de las organizaciones de base más influyentes en la lucha por la igualdad de géneroThe feminist movement has become one of the most influential grassroots organizations in the fight for gender equality
- Las organizaciones de base ayudan al barrio.Grassroots organizations help the neighborhood.
- Necesitamos apoyar a las organizaciones de base locales.We need to support local grassroots organizations.
- Muchas organizaciones de base luchan por la justicia.Many grassroots organizations fight for justice.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a community project.
- DanielSofía, ¿conoces algunas organizaciones de base aquí?Sofía, do you know any grassroots organizations here?
- SofíaSí, hay un grupo que limpia el río.Yes, there is a group that cleans the river.
- DanielMe gustaría colaborar con ellos pronto.I would like to collaborate with them soon.
- SofíaTe puedo presentar al coordinador mañana.I can introduce you to the coordinator tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
