ayuntamiento
/a-yoon-tah-myen-toh/
city council
The ayuntamiento (city council) is the governing body of the city.
ayuntamiento(noun)
city council
?the governing body of a city
,town council
?the governing body of a town
local government
?local administration
📝 In Action
El ayuntamiento ha votado a favor de construir un nuevo parque.
B1The city council has voted in favor of building a new park.
Necesitamos presionar al ayuntamiento para que arreglen las calles.
B2We need to pressure the local government to fix the streets.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular Noun, Collective Meaning
Even though 'ayuntamiento' refers to many people (the council members), it is a singular masculine noun, so it takes singular verbs: 'El ayuntamiento decidió' (The council decided).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Function
Think of this meaning as the group of people who make decisions about local issues like public services, parks, and local taxes.
The City Hall building is also called the ayuntamiento.
ayuntamiento(noun)
City Hall
?the building
,Town Hall
?the building
municipal building
?official use
📝 In Action
La oficina de turismo está justo al lado del ayuntamiento.
A1The tourist office is right next to City Hall.
Tenemos que ir al ayuntamiento para registrar el nacimiento.
A2We have to go to the Town Hall to register the birth.
⭐ Usage Tips
Location vs. People
If you are using location verbs like 'estar' (to be located) or motion verbs like 'ir a' (to go to), you are almost certainly referring to the building.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ayuntamiento
Question 1 of 1
If you say 'El ayuntamiento está cerrado hoy,' what are you most likely referring to?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ayuntamiento' and 'municipalidad'?
Both refer to local government. 'Ayuntamiento' is the most common term in Spain for both the council and the building. 'Municipalidad' or 'municipio' is a broader term often used in Latin America to refer to the entire administrative territory or the general concept of local authority.