Ciudad del Vaticano
/θjuˌdad del batiˈkano/
In Spanish, Vatican City is translated as Ciudad del Vaticano. Wiktionary also lists el Vaticano.
Meaning: state (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ciudad del Vaticano | /θjuˌdad del batiˈkano/ /sjuˌdad del batiˈkano/ |
|
| el Vaticano | /el batikano/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Ciudad del Vaticano refers specifically to the physical state or territory of Vatican City.
Which one should you use?
Use Ciudad del Vaticano when you are talking about the physical state or territory. In contrast, use el Vaticano when you are referring to the Holy See or the institution itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ciudad del Vaticano is a feminine phrase because it is headed by the noun ciudad. Conversely, el Vaticano is a masculine phrase because it is headed by the noun Vaticano.
How do you pronounce it?
/θjuˌdad del batiˈkano/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ciudad is a direct descendant of the Latin cīvitātem, which originally referred to the body of citizens rather than just the buildings.
- In many Spanish-speaking media outlets, you will see the phrase shortened to simply el Vaticano even when the speaker is technically referring to the territory.
- In formal Spanish diplomacy, the distinction between the physical Ciudad del Vaticano and the legal Santa Sede is strictly maintained in written documents.
Examples in context
- La Ciudad del Vaticano es el país más pequeño del mundo.Vatican City is the smallest country in the world.This sentence is useful for mentioning that Ciudad del Vaticano is the smallest country in the world.Tatoeba #11669829 by 0987654321ok, translation #11431487 by Amastan
- El Vaticano es una ciudad increíble.Vatican City is an incredible city.
- Las bellezas arquitectónicas de Ciudad del Vaticano son impresionantes.The architectural beauties of Vatican City are impressive.
- La Ciudad del Vaticano tiene sus propias leyes.Vatican City has its own laws.
- Queremos visitar la Ciudad del Vaticano este año.We want to visit Vatican City this year.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing their upcoming travel plans.
- Alejandro¿Vas a viajar a la Ciudad del Vaticano?Are you going to travel to Vatican City?
- SofíaSí, quiero conocer la Ciudad del Vaticano pronto.Yes, I want to see Vatican City soon.
- AlejandroEs un lugar muy hermoso y especial.It is a very beautiful and special place.
- SofíaEso es cierto, Alejandro.That is true, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vatican city” translations and entries Ciudad del Vaticano, 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 ciudad, del, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
