bandera
/bahn-DEH-rah/
flag
A common translation for 'bandera' is 'flag,' often representing a national or organizational symbol.
📝 In Action
La bandera de México tiene tres colores principales.
A1The flag of Mexico has three main colors.
Cada mañana, los estudiantes izan la bandera en el patio.
A2Every morning, the students raise the flag in the courtyard.
El barco navegaba bajo bandera panameña.
B1The ship sailed under the Panamanian flag.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'bandera' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' before it: 'La bandera' (The flag).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "El bandera."
Correction: La bandera. Even though it ends in '-a', it's easy to forget the gender marker when you are starting out.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using Colors
When describing the flag's color, the color word must agree with 'bandera' (feminine singular): 'La bandera es roja y blanca' (The flag is red and white).
'Bandera' can also figuratively mean 'banner,' representing a cause, principle, or movement.
bandera(noun)
banner
?figurative cause or principle
,standard
?symbol of a movement
cause
?a political or social objective
📝 In Action
La igualdad es la principal bandera de su partido político.
B1Equality is the main banner (or cause) of their political party.
Ella levantó la bandera de la justicia social en la reunión.
B2She raised the banner of social justice at the meeting (meaning she championed the cause).
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In this context, 'bandera' doesn't mean a physical flag, but the main belief, goal, or principle that a person or group supports.
⭐ Usage Tips
Action Verbs
This meaning often pairs with action verbs like 'levantar' (to raise/champion) or 'defender' (to defend) to show support for the cause.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bandera
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'bandera' in its figurative sense (meaning a cause or symbol)?
📚 More Resources
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).