rural
/ruˈɾal/
The Spanish word for rural is rural.
The word rural is an adjective used to describe things pertaining to non-urban areas.
Meaning: pertaining to non-urban areas (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, you may hear the phrase del interior used as an alternative to describe something rural. In Spain, rústico is commonly used to describe a rural setting or lifestyle, while the word campiña specifically refers to a rural area characterized by open fields or farmland.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective rural is invariant in gender, so it remains the same whether the noun it modifies is masculine or feminine. To make the word plural, use rurales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ruˈɾal/
Did you know?
- The word campesino refers to a person from a rural area, but depending on the country, it can be a proud identity or a derogatory class marker.
- In some Latin American regions, the term pueblo is used to describe a rural town, though it literally translates to 'people' or 'village'.
- While rural describes the area, the term rústico is often used as a stylistic compliment in interior design to describe a 'shabby chic' or country-style aesthetic.
Examples in context
- Vivo en una zona rural.I live in a rural area.This sentence is useful for stating where you live using rural.Tatoeba #1869489 by Shishir, translation #1866502 by Spamster
- En las zonas rurales se come mejor.In rural areas people eat better.This sentence is useful for making a general statement about rural areas using rurales.Tatoeba #8339382 by arh, translation #8393073 by helloroto
- ¿Alguna vez has vivido en un sector rural?Have you ever lived in a rural area?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has lived in a rural sector using rural.Tatoeba #1349456 by marcelostockle, translation #681978 by Source_VOA
- El área que rodea el pueblo es predominantemente rural.The area surrounding the town is predominantly rural.
- Los campesinos cultivan la tierra y viven una vida rural tranquila.Farmers cultivate the land and lead a peaceful rural life.
- Pasé mis vacaciones en un lugar muy tranquilo, del campo, rodeado de naturaleza.I spent my vacation in a very quiet place, rural, surrounded by nature.
- Muchos jóvenes están migrando del interior hacia las ciudades en busca de oportunidades laborales.Many young people are migrating from rural areas to cities in search of job opportunities.
- La tranquilidad de vivir en una casa rústica en medio de la campiña es incomparable.The tranquility of living in a rustic house amidst the countryside is incomparable.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing where to go on vacation.
- ElenaPrefiero un paisaje rural para descansar.I prefer a rural landscape to relax.
- MateoA mí también me gusta el campo.I like the countryside too.
- Elena¿Conoces algún hotel rural por aquí?Do you know any rural hotel around here?
- MateoSí, conozco uno muy tranquilo, Elena.Yes, I know a very quiet one, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rural” translations and entries rural, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
