principal
/pɾinθiˈpal/
The English word 'main' can be translated into Spanish as principal or 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 'main' is used to describe something that is chief, most important or principal in extent.
Which one should you use?
While principal is the general term for 'main', troncal is used specifically when referring to 'main' in the context of structural or systemic connections, such as a troncal road (main road) or a troncal artery.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use principal to mean 'the main thing' or 'the most important part' as an abstract concept, it is preceded by the neuter article lo, forming the phrase lo principal.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾinθiˈpal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes confuse the Spanish adjective principal (main/chief) with the noun príncipe (prince) or the word principio (beginning/principle).
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'main' can describe a 'main course' of a meal, Spanish uses principal for importance but uses plato fuerte or segundo plato for the main dish.
- A calle principal is the 'main street', but in many Latin American towns, this is not just a traffic designation. It is often the social heart of the community where all official celebrations take place.
- The word principal shares a root with príncipe, meaning 'prince'. Both originate from the Latin word for 'first' or 'foremost'.
Examples in context
- Eso es lo principal.That's the main thing.This sentence is useful for expressing 'That's the main thing' using principal.Tatoeba #10093316 by manufrutos, translation #2686431 by raggione
- Lo principal es que estén vivos.The main thing is that they're alive.This sentence is useful for expressing 'The main thing is that they're alive' using 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 is useful for expressing 'The main thing is to tell the truth' using principal.Tatoeba #10093314 by manufrutos, translation #3724299 by CM
- El edificio principal de la universidad es impresionante.The main building of the university is impressive.
- La seguridad es nuestra preocupación primaria.Safety is our main concern.
- La educación es de primordial importancia para el desarrollo del país.Education is of main importance for the country's development.
- Me gusta el cine, principalmente las películas de comedia.I like movies, mainly comedies.
- En este libro, lo más importante es la lección de vida que transmite.In this book, the main thing is the life lesson it conveys.
- La belleza interior es lo más importante en una persona.Inner beauty is the main thing in a person.
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing the plan for their trip.
- AlejandroEl objetivo principal es visitar el museo.The main objective is to visit the museum.
- LucíaEstoy de acuerdo, Alejandro.I agree, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Cuál es la calle principal por aquí?Which is the main street around here?
- LucíaEs la que está justo enfrente.It is the one right in front.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
