principal
/pɾinθiˈpal/
The Spanish word for main is principal. Wiktionary also lists troncal.
Meaning: chief, most important, or principal in extent, etc. (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| principal | /pɾinθiˈpal/ /pɾinsiˈpal/ |
| troncal | /tɾonkal/ (from spelling rules) |
The word is used to describe something that is chief, most important or principal in extent.
Which one should you use?
Use principal when referring to the most important or chief element in a set or a hierarchy. In contrast, troncal is a technical term used specifically for main lines or routes, such as a main road or a central artery in biology.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the noun phrase 'the main thing', use the neuter article lo with principal to form lo principal.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾinθiˈpal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use principal to refer to the head of a school. Instead, use director or rector.
Did you know?
- The term troncal is used in medicine to describe the 'main' nerves or arteries, reflecting its origin as a 'trunk' from which smaller branches sprout.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a calle principal is not just the most important street, but often the one where the town's central plaza is located.
- The word troncal shares a root with the English word 'trunk', as both derive from the Latin 'truncus' meaning 'log' or 'trunk'.
Examples in context
- Eso es lo principal.That's the main thing.This sentence shows how to use principal to mean 'the main thing'.Tatoeba #10093316 by manufrutos, translation #2686431 by raggione
- Lo principal es que estén vivos.The main thing is that they're alive.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase lo principal.Tatoeba #10093286 by manufrutos, translation #10069676 by ddnktr
- Lo principal es decir la verdad.The main thing is to tell the truth.This sentence illustrates how to express 'the main thing' using lo principal.Tatoeba #10093314 by manufrutos, translation #3724299 by CM
- La idea principal del ensayo es analizar el impacto del cambio climático en nuestra sociedad.The main idea of the essay is to analyze the impact of climate change on our society.
- La educación es un factor primordial para el desarrollo de cualquier país.Education is a main factor for the development of any country.
- Me gusta principalmente la música rock, pero a veces también escucho otros géneros.I like mainly rock music, but sometimes I also listen to other genres.
- Mi mayor preocupación es encontrar un trabajo estable.My main concern is finding a stable job.
- El actor más importante del elenco es reconocido a nivel mundial.The most important actor in the cast is internationally recognized.
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing their travel plans.
- JavierEsta es la calle principal de la ciudad.This is the main street of the city.
- LucíaSí, aquí están todas las tiendas.Yes, all the shops are here.
- Javier¿Cuál es el objetivo principal del viaje?What is the main objective of the trip?
- LucíaEl objetivo es descansar y conocer el museo.The objective is to rest and visit the museum.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “main” translations and entries principal, troncal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries principal, troncal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
