politología
/politoloˈxia/feminine
The English phrase political science is translated into Spanish as politología. Wiktionary also lists ciencia política.
Meaning: study of politics (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| politología | /politoloˈxia/ | feminine |
| ciencia política | /ˌθjenθja poˈlitika/ /ˌsjensja poˈlitika/ |
feminine |
The term refers to the study of politics.
Which one should you use?
politología is a more technical, specialized term for the discipline itself, often used in academic discourse to refer to the science of politics. In contrast, ciencia política is the standard and most widely used term for Political Science in Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the field as a specific subject of study, the feminine article 'la' is used with ciencia política. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the plural form las ciencias políticas is used to denote the academic degree or the field of study.
How do you pronounce it?
/politoloˈxia/
Did you know?
- The term politología is a relatively modern academic construct, a linguistic 'loan' from the German term Politologie, rather than an ancient Spanish word.
- While 'political science' in English is almost always a single discipline, in Spanish, using the plural ciencias políticas can imply a broader multidisciplinary approach including sociology and history.
- The transition from the Old Spanish çiençia to the modern ciencia reflects a broader shift in Spanish spelling to simplify the sibilant sounds of the language.
Examples in context
- En la universidad, estoy estudiando Ciencia Política.In university, I am studying Political Science.
- Participé en una conferencia sobre Política y Ciencias Políticas.I participated in a conference on Politics and Political Science.
- Estoy pensando en matricularme en Ciencias Políticas el próximo semestre.I am thinking of enrolling in Political Science next semester.
- La politología es una disciplina muy completa en España.Political Science is a very comprehensive discipline in Spain.
- Ella estudia politología en la universidad.She studies political science at the university.
- La politología es una carrera muy interesante.Political science is a very interesting career.
- Él decidió especializarse en politología.He decided to specialize in political science.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their college majors.
- Lucía¿Qué estudias, Alejandro?What are you studying, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEstudio politología, ¿y tú?I study political science, and you?
- LucíaYo estudio derecho internacional.I study international law.
- AlejandroNuestras carreras se complementan muy bien.Our careers complement each other very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “political science” translations and entries politología, ciencia política, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciencia, politología, CC BY-SA 4.0.
