Países Bajos
/paˌises ˈbaxos/masculine, plural
The English phrase Netherlands is expressed 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 |
Países Bajos is the name for the country in northwestern Europe and translates literally to "Low Countries".
What does it mean word for word?
The name Países Bajos literally translates to 'Low Countries'.
Which one should you use?
Países Bajos is the formal and geographically accurate name for the country. In contrast, Holanda refers specifically to the provinces of North and South Holland, although it is frequently used by mistake to refer to the entire country.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Países Bajos is a masculine plural noun, it is typically preceded by the definite article los.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˌises ˈbaxos/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term Holanda was historically used to describe a high-quality type of linen, rather than just the geographical region.
- In Spanish, the word país is used for the general concept of a 'country', but Países Bajos is one of the few national names that is permanently plural.
- The Spanish term Países Bajos shares a common ancestor with the French Pays-Bas, as both languages adapted the Dutch name using their own words for 'countries' and 'low'.
Examples in context
- Yo soy de Holanda.I am from the Netherlands.This sentence is useful for expressing 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 a region 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 about a future visit to the country using Países Bajos.Tatoeba #2936877 by cueyayotl, translation #2936603 by CN
- No puedo esperar para visitar los Países Bajos este verano.I can't wait to visit the Netherlands this summer.
- Holanda es famosa por sus tulipanes y molinos de viento.Holland is famous for its tulips and windmills.
- ¿Has estado en Holanda alguna vez?Have you ever been to the Netherlands?
- ¿Sabías que en los Países Bajos se habla neerlandés?Did you know they speak Dutch in the Netherlands?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about their travel plans.
- LucíaQuiero visitar los Países Bajos este año.I want to visit the Netherlands this year.
- MateoEs una gran idea, Lucía.That is a great idea, Lucía.
- LucíaMe gustaría ver los tulipanes en los Países Bajos.I would like to see the tulips in the Netherlands.
- MateoYo también quiero ir contigo, Lucía.I want to go with you too, Lucía.
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.
