Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Naciones Unidas | /naˌθjones uˈnidas/ /naˌsjones uˈnidas/ |
feminine, plural |
| Organización de las Naciones Unidas | /oɾɡaniθaθjon de las naθjones unidas/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /oɾɡanisasjon de las nasjones unidas/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
This term refers to the international coalition and organization known as the United Nations. In common speech and news reporting, the acronym la ONU is frequently used instead of the full name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Naciones (Nations) and the feminine plural adjective Unidas (United).
Which one should you use?
La Organización de las Naciones Unidas is the full, official title of the organization.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Naciones is a feminine plural noun, the definite article las and the adjective Unidas must both be feminine and plural in the phrase las Naciones Unidas. When using the full official name, the noun Organización is feminine, so the definite article must be la (e.g., la Organización de las Naciones Unidas). The acronym ONU is also treated as a feminine noun because it stands for Organización.
How do you pronounce it?
/naˌθjones uˈnidas/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word nación refers to a group of people with a shared culture, but it is often used interchangeably with estado (state) when referring to the members of las Naciones Unidas.
- The word las in the phrase is an inherited form from the Latin word illās, which was the accusative feminine plural of ille.
- While unidas means 'united', the root word unir comes from the Latin ūnīre, meaning 'to make one'.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuántos países son miembros de las Naciones Unidas?How many countries are members of the United Nations?This sentence is useful for asking about the number of member countries of the Naciones Unidas.Tatoeba #2917140 by marcelostockle, translation #1820606 by Amastan
- Las Naciones Unidas son una organización internacional.The United Nations is an international organization.This sentence is useful for defining the Naciones Unidas as an international organization.Tatoeba #1205451 by marcelostockle, translation #241467 by CK
- Las Naciones Unidas mandaron tropas para intervenir en el conflicto.The United Nations sent troops to intervene in the conflict.This sentence is useful for describing the deployment of troops by the Naciones Unidas.Tatoeba #1854890 by marcelostockle, translation #681225 by Source_VOA
- Hoy en el discurso de apertura, el líder mencionó la importancia de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas en la promoción de la paz mundial.Today in the opening speech, the leader mentioned the importance of the United Nations in promoting world peace.
- Nuestro país es un miembro activo de la ONU y contribuye a diversas iniciativas internacionales.Our country is an active member of the United Nations and contributes to various international initiatives.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing global news at home.
- AlejandroLeí que las Naciones Unidas tienen una nueva misión.I read that the United Nations have a new mission.
- MaríaSí, es muy importante para la paz mundial.Yes, it is very important for world peace.
- Alejandro¿Crees que las Naciones Unidas pueden ayudar realmente?Do you think the United Nations can actually help?
- MaríaEspero que sí, María cree que es posible.I hope so, María believes it is possible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “united nations” translations and entries Naciones Unidas, Organización de las Naciones Unidas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, las, organización, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
