principio
/pɾinˈθipjo/masculine
The Spanish word for principle is principio.
Principio is a masculine noun used to refer to a moral rule or aspect. The phrase en principio is often used to mean 'theoretically' or 'as a general rule,' implying that while something is true in principle, there may be practical exceptions.
Meaning: moral rule or aspect (noun)
Which one should you use?
Principio is a homonym that can mean both 'principle' (a moral or fundamental rule) and 'beginning' (the start of something).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾinˈθipjo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should not confuse principio with príncipe, which means 'prince'.
Did you know?
- The word principio shares a common ancestor with the English word 'prince', through the Latin 'princeps' which means 'first in command'.
- While principio refers to a rule, the word for 'principal' as in a school head is director, avoiding confusion between the two meanings.
- In a mathematical or logical context, a Spanish speaker might use principio to refer to an 'axiom', treating it as an unbreakable starting point of reasoning.
Examples in context
- La ley de la mayoría es un principio básico de la democracia.Majority rule is a basic principle of democracy.This sentence shows how principio is used to describe a basic principle of democracy.Tatoeba #1993852 by marcelostockle, translation #274969 by CM
- Los hablantes de esperanto son, en principio, por lo menos bilingües.Esperanto speakers are in principle still at least bilingual.This sentence demonstrates the use of principio within the phrase 'en principio'.Tatoeba #10913627 by Eremon, translation #843934 by J_S
- Nos referimos al principio más general de toda la física clásica, el de la conservación de la energía.We are referring to the most general principle in all classical physics, that of conservation of energy.This sentence uses principio to refer to the most general principle in all classical physics.Tatoeba #1127317 by marcelostockle, translation #1127337 by marcelostockle
- Los principios éticos son fundamentales para un buen liderazgo.Ethical principles are fundamental to good leadership.
- Cumplir con las normas de seguridad es un principio básico en esta empresa.Complying with safety rules is a basic principle in this company.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing their work ethics.
- JavierNo puedo mentir por el jefe, es cuestión de principio.I cannot lie for the boss, it is a matter of principle.
- LucíaTe entiendo, Javier, pero él es muy exigente.I understand you, Javier, but he is very demanding.
- JavierPrefiero perder el empleo que traicionar mi principio.I prefer to lose my job than betray my principle.
- LucíaAdmiro que seas tan honesto, Lucía lo apoya.I admire that you are so honest, Lucía supports it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “principle” translations and entries principio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries principio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
