Inklingo
← Dictionary

bandera

bahn-DEH-rah/banˈdeɾa/

“bandera” means “flag” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

flag

Also: standard
NounfA1
Spain (informal)
A simple, brightly colored flag (red and white stripes) waving from a tall flagpole against a blue background.

📝 In Action

La bandera de México tiene tres colores principales.

A1

The flag of Mexico has three main colors.

Cada mañana, los estudiantes izan la bandera en el patio.

A2

Every morning, the students raise the flag in the courtyard.

El barco navegaba bajo bandera panameña.

B1

The ship sailed under the Panamanian flag.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • enseña (standard/banner)
  • pabellón (flag/pavilion)

Common Collocations

  • izar la bandera – to raise the flag
  • media bandera – half-mast (flag)

Idioms & Expressions

  • rendir la bandera – to surrender or give up

banner, standard

Also: cause
NounfB1neutral/formal
A stylized hand holding a plain yellow vertical banner high above its head, symbolizing a cause or principle.

📝 In Action

La igualdad es la principal bandera de su partido político.

B1

Equality is the main banner (or cause) of their political party.

Ella levantó la bandera de la justicia social en la reunión.

B2

She raised the banner of social justice at the meeting (meaning she championed the cause).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estandarte (standard/ensign)
  • principio (principle)

Common Collocations

  • levantar la bandera – to champion a cause
  • la bandera del cambio – the banner of change

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bandera" in Spanish:

banner→cause→flag→standard→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bandera

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'bandera' in its figurative sense (meaning a cause or symbol)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
abanderado/a(standard-bearer (person carrying the flag or leading a cause)) — Noun / Adjective
abanderar(to register a ship under a flag; to champion a cause) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Old Spanish word 'bando' (banner or standard), which itself has Germanic roots (specifically Gothic *bandwa, meaning 'sign' or 'signal'). It describes something used as a visual signal.

First recorded: Medieval period (around 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bandeiraFrench: bannièreEnglish: banner

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'bandera' only for countries?

No, 'bandera' refers to the cloth that represents a country, a state, a city, a sports team, or any organization. It is also frequently used to refer to an important cause or principle that someone champions.

Is 'bandera' masculine or feminine?

'Bandera' is always feminine. You should use the article 'la' or the plural 'las' before it: 'la bandera' (the flag), 'las banderas' (the flags).