público
/ˈpubliko/
The English phrase 'public' is translated into Spanish as público.
As an adjective, público describes something that is able to be known or seen by everyone. When referring to the members of the community or the people in general as a noun, the word público is also used. In specific contexts, you might use audiencia to refer to a specific audience or spectators or use gente in informal settings to refer to the general public.
Meaning: able to be known or seen by everyone (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the adjective form means 'public', using the masculine noun público refers to 'the audience' or 'the public' as a group of people.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective público must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It becomes the feminine form pública when modifying a feminine noun, and it takes the plural forms públicos or públicas to match plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpubliko/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word público is a learned borrowing from the Latin pūblicus, meaning it was reintroduced into the language from written texts rather than evolving naturally through common speech.
- In Spain, the phrase baño público is rarely used for restrooms in cafes or restaurants, where speakers prefer aseos or servicios.
- A funcionario público is not just any person working in a public space, but specifically a career civil servant or government employee.
Examples in context
- El público lo sabe.The public knows that.This sentence is useful for showing how to use público when talking about the public.Tatoeba #5748506 by arh, translation #5748144 by CM
- No maldigas en público.Don't swear in public.This sentence is useful for how to use público in the context of being in public.Tatoeba #1553074 by marcelostockle, translation #240479 by CK
- Él me insultó en público.He insulted me in public.This sentence is useful for how to use público to describe an action done in public.Tatoeba #1205564 by marcelostockle, translation #296247 by CK
- biblioteca públicaPublic library
- servicios para la ciudadaníaPublic services
- interés colectivoPublic interest
- la gente en generalThe general public
- este evento está abierto al público en generalThis event is open to the general public
- El público tiene derecho a saberThe public has the right to know
- 140 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing the city's amenities.
- Javier¿Crees que el transporte público es bueno aquí?Do you think the public transport is good here?
- MaríaSí, Javier, es muy eficiente.Yes, Javier, it is very efficient.
- JavierMe alegra que sea un servicio público de calidad.I'm glad it is a quality public service.
- MaríaEs verdad, ayuda mucho a la ciudad.It's true, it helps the city a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “public” translations and entries público, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries público, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
