Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| nacional | /naθjoˈnal/ /nasjoˈnal/ |
| patrio | /ˈpatɾjo/ |
The term is used as an adjective to describe things pertaining to a nation, a country or the state. If you are referring to a person who is a subject of a nation, the related noun is ciudadano.
Which one should you use?
While nacional refers to the state or the nation as a political or administrative entity, patrio often carries a more emotional or sentimental connotation related to one's homeland or 'patria'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, nacional is commonly used in both formal and informal scenarios. In Spain, patrio is more prevalent when expressing patriotism.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective nacional is invariant in gender, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of nacional is nacionales.
How do you pronounce it?
/naθjoˈnal/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word patrio shares the same Latin root as the English word 'paternal', both coming from the concept of a father or an ancestor.
- The term Símbolos patrios refers specifically to a country's flag, anthem and coat of arms, treating these items as sacred objects of national identity.
- In Spain, the word nacional is often used as a shorthand to describe a 'national' product or brand that is local to Spain rather than imported.
Examples in context
- Él se volvió un héroe nacional.He became a national hero.This sentence shows how to use nacional to describe a hero.Tatoeba #2311785 by marcelostockle, translation #296439 by CK
- Es la semana nacional del libro.It's National Book Week.This sentence uses nacional in the context of a national week.Tatoeba #1294998 by hayastan, translation #10483688 by DJ_Saidez
- La deuda nacional está aumentando.The national debt is growing.This sentence demonstrates the use of nacional regarding national debt.Tatoeba #841924 by Shishir, translation #680641 by Source_VOA
- El equipo nacional de fútbol ganó el campeonato.The national soccer team won the championship.
- La legislación nacional debería abordar este problema.National legislation should address this issue.
- Es importante celebrar nuestro himno patrio.It is important to celebrate our national anthem.
- El desfile tuvo lugar en el día de nuestra fiesta patria.The parade took place on our national holiday.
- La selección nacional de España ganó la Eurocopa.The Spanish national team won the Eurocup.
- El día de nuestra fiesta patria se celebra el 12 de octubre.Our national holiday is celebrated on October 12th.
- La bandera nacional de Argentina es celeste y blanca.The national flag of Argentina is sky blue and white.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing travel plans within their country.
- DanielEl parque nacional es muy grande.The national park is very large.
- LucíaSí, es un destino nacional muy popular.Yes, it is a very popular national destination.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir este fin de semana?Do you want to go this weekend?
- LucíaMe encantaría, Daniel.I would love to, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “national” translations and entries nacional, patrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nacional, patrio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
