Países Bajos
/paˌises ˈbaxos/masculine, plural
The English phrase Netherlands is known in Spanish as Países Bajos. Wiktionary also lists Holanda.
Meaning: country in northwestern Europe (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Países Bajos | /paˌises ˈbaxos/ | masculine, plural |
| Holanda | /oˈlanda/ | feminine |
The term refers to the country in northwestern Europe. While many Spanish speakers use Holanda to refer to the entire country, it is more precise to use Países Bajos in formal or official contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Países Bajos literally translates to 'Low Countries'.
Which one should you use?
Países Bajos is the official and most accurate name for the country, whereas Holanda is often used colloquially but technically refers only to a specific region.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Países Bajos is a masculine plural noun, it is typically preceded by the definite article los when used in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˌises ˈbaxos/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word holanda is not just a name for a region but is also the term used for a specific type of high-quality linen fabric.
- Because Países Bajos is plural, Spanish speakers must use plural adjectives and verbs with it, unlike the singular treatment of 'Netherlands' in English.
- In Spanish, the adjective bajo meaning 'low' is used in Países Bajos to describe geography, but it is also the same word used to describe a person's short height.
Examples in context
- Yo soy de Holanda.I am from the Netherlands.This sentence is useful for stating where you are from using Holanda.Tatoeba #1131089 by Shishir, translation #773439 by marloncori
- La capital de Holanda es Amsterdam.The capital city of the Netherlands is Amsterdam.This sentence is useful for identifying the capital of the country using Holanda.Tatoeba #1479279 by marcelostockle, translation #522273 by CK
- ¿Cuándo vendrás a los Países Bajos?When are you coming to the Netherlands?This sentence is useful for asking when someone will visit the country using Países Bajos.Tatoeba #2936877 by cueyayotl, translation #2936603 by CN
- Me gusta aprender sobre la cultura de los Países Bajos.I enjoy learning about the culture of the Netherlands.
- ¿Has estado en Holanda alguna vez?Have you ever been to the Netherlands?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their future travel plans.
- JavierQuiero visitar los Países Bajos el próximo año.I want to visit the Netherlands next year.
- Sofía¡Qué buena idea! Me encantaría ir contigo.What a great idea! I would love to go with you.
- JavierPodemos alquilar bicicletas en los Países Bajos.We can rent bicycles in the Netherlands.
- SofíaSí, he oído que es la mejor forma de viajar.Yes, I've heard it's the best way to travel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “netherlands” translations and entries Países Bajos, Holanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Países Bajos, holanda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
