ciudadanía
“ciudadanía” means “citizenship” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
citizenship
Also: nationality
📝 In Action
Después de vivir diez años en México, obtuvo la ciudadanía.
B1After living in Mexico for ten years, he obtained citizenship.
Mi abuelo tiene doble ciudadanía: italiana y argentina.
A2My grandfather has dual citizenship: Italian and Argentine.
El examen para la ciudadanía no es muy difícil.
B1The citizenship exam is not very difficult.
citizenry
Also: the public
📝 In Action
La ciudadanía exige más seguridad en las calles.
B2The citizenry demands more security in the streets.
Es un mensaje dirigido a toda la ciudadanía.
B1It is a message addressed to all citizens.
La participación de la ciudadanía es vital para la democracia.
C1Citizen participation is vital for democracy.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ciudadanía" in Spanish:
citizenry→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ciudadanía
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'to apply for citizenship' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish word 'ciudad' (city), which comes from the Latin 'civitas,' meaning a body of citizens or a state.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'ciudadanía' and 'nacionalidad'?
Technically, yes. 'Nacionalidad' is the country you belong to (by birth or origin), while 'ciudadanía' is the legal status that gives you the right to vote and participate in politics. However, in daily life, people often use them as the same thing.
Can I use 'ciudadanía' to talk about a city?
No. Use 'ciudad' for the place. 'Ciudadanía' refers only to the status of being a citizen or the group of people who live there.
How do I pronounce the double 'd'?
The first 'd' is very soft, almost like a 'th' in 'this'. The second 'd' is the same. It is a very smooth, flowing sound, not a hard 'd' like in 'dog'.

