País
/pais/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English phrase "pais" is translated as País.
País refers to a nation or a territory that possesses its own government.
Which one should you use?
While País is the standard term, you may encounter other words depending on the context. Nación is a formal term for nation, and Estado is a formal term used when referring to a country specifically as a political entity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries such as Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela, república may be used instead of país in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say "of the country", the preposition de and the article el contract with país to form del país.
How do you pronounce it?
/pais/
Did you know?
- The word país shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pagan'. Both stem from the Latin 'pagus', which referred to a rural district or countryside.
- Spanish has a specific term, patria, which is often used instead of país when the speaker wants to evoke a sense of emotional loyalty, patriotism and ancestral belonging.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, the word paisano (derived from país) is used not just for a fellow countryman, but specifically for a peasant or a rural farmer.
Examples in context
- Este es un país muy hermoso.This is a very beautiful country.
- Quiero viajar por todo el país.I want to travel throughout the country.
- ¿En qué país vives actualmente?In which country do you currently live?
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about their travel plans.
- Mateo¿Cuál es tu país favorito?Which is your favorite country?
- MaríaMi país favorito es Japón.My favorite country is Japan.
- MateoEs un país muy interesante.It is a very interesting country.
- MaríaSí, María quiere ir pronto.Yes, María wants to go soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries país, CC BY-SA 4.0.
