patria
/ˈpatɾja/
The English phrase "motherland" is translated into Spanish as patria.
patria is used to refer to one's motherland or homeland. It carries a strong emotional and often nationalistic connotation, making it a word frequently found in patriotic speeches, national anthems or expressions of deep national pride.
Meaning: country of origin (noun)
Which one should you use?
While patria refers to the motherland or homeland in a patriotic or emotional sense, it is distinct from país, which is the standard word for "country" when speaking in a geographical or political sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun patria is feminine and is typically used with the feminine definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpatɾja/
Did you know?
- While patria is an emotional term, the Spanish legal system uses the term patria potestad to describe the legal rights and duties of parents toward their children.
- In Spanish, the concept of patria is often contrasted with madre patria, a specific term used by former colonies to refer to Spain as the original 'mother country'.
- Although it translates to 'motherland' in English, patria is actually a feminine noun derived from the Latin word for 'fatherland'.
Examples in context
- Yo amo a mi patria.I love my motherland.This sentence is useful for expressing personal love for one's motherland using patria.Tatoeba #1218469 by marcelostockle, translation #507217 by DJ_Saidez
- El hogar de los pájaros está en el bosque, el hogar de los peces está en el río, el hogar de las abejas está en las flores y el de los niños pequeñitos está en China. Amamos nuestra madre patria desde chiquitos como los pájaros aman al bosque, los peces aman al río y las abejas aman a las flores.The birds' home is in the forest, the fish's home is in the river, the bees' home is in the flowers, and the little children's is in China. We love our motherland from the time we're little, as the birds love the forest, the fish love the river, and the bees love the flowers.This sentence uses patria to compare the love for a motherland to the way animals love their natural habitats.Tatoeba #3216015 by cueyayotl, translation #485186 by FeuDRenais
- Viva Venezuela, mi patria querida.Long live Venezuela, my beloved motherland.This sentence demonstrates using patria in a patriotic exclamation.Tatoeba #9866256 by Ivanovb, translation #9866258 by DJ_Saidez
- La patria siempre está en nuestros corazones, a pesar de la distancia.The motherland is always in our hearts, despite the distance.
- Cuando regreso a mi terruño, todo se siente en su lugar.When I return to my homeland, everything feels in its place.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their feelings about their home country.
- AlejandroSiento mucha nostalgia por mi patria.I feel a lot of nostalgia for my motherland.
- ElenaYo también extraño mucho mi tierra.I also miss my land very much.
- AlejandroEs importante luchar por la patria.It is important to fight for the motherland.
- ElenaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry patria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries patria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
