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civiles

/see-VEE-lays/

civil

A simple illustration of a stately, columned government building facade, representing civil authority and administration.

The government building symbolizes the 'civil' aspect relating to public administration or citizens.

civiles(adjective)

m/fA2

civil

?

relating to citizens or government

,

civilian

?

non-military

Also:

polite

?

formal/less common usage, referring to manners

📝 In Action

Necesitamos más acuerdos civiles entre los países.

B1

We need more civil agreements between the countries.

Los derechos civiles son fundamentales para la democracia.

A2

Civil rights are fundamental for democracy.

La zona fue entregada a las autoridades civiles.

B2

The area was handed over to the civil authorities.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • militares (military)
  • eclesiásticos (ecclesiastical)

Common Collocations

  • guardias civiles – civil guards (Spanish police force)
  • guerras civiles – civil wars

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'civiles' is plural, it must be used with plural nouns (like 'derechos' or 'autoridades'). The singular form is 'civil'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: "Usar 'derecho civil' cuando se habla de varios derechos."

Correction: Use 'derechos civiles' (plural) when talking about multiple rights, or 'derecho civil' (singular) for the field of law itself.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Civil Guard'

In Spain, 'la Guardia Civil' is a major national police force, so 'guardia civil' often refers specifically to them.

A colorful illustration showing three people—a man, a woman, and a child—dressed in casual, ordinary clothes, representing non-military civilians.

These ordinary people, dressed in casual clothing, represent 'civilians,' meaning non-military individuals.

civiles(noun)

mB1

civilians

?

non-military people

Also:

citizens

?

general term for residents

📝 In Action

La misión era proteger a los civiles en la ciudad.

B1

The mission was to protect the civilians in the city.

Hubo pocos civiles heridos durante el incidente.

B2

There were few civilians injured during the incident.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pobladores (inhabitants)
  • gente (people)

Antonyms

  • soldados (soldiers)
  • policías (police officers)

Common Collocations

  • víctimas civiles – civilian casualties

💡 Grammar Points

Referring to People

When 'civiles' is used as a noun meaning 'civilians,' it almost always takes the masculine plural form, even if the group includes women.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

'Civiles' is often used in formal reports or news broadcasts when distinguishing the non-military population from the armed forces.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: civiles

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'civiles' as a noun (referring to people)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

civil(civil, polite (singular)) - adjective
civilidad(civility, politeness) - noun
civilización(civilization) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'civiles' and 'ciudadanos'?

Both refer to people, but 'ciudadanos' specifically means 'citizens' (people who belong to a country and have political rights). 'Civiles' means 'civilians' (people who are not in the military or police), often used in contrast to armed forces.

How do I say 'civilian clothes'?

You would typically say 'ropa de civil' (singular) or 'vestido de paisano' ('dressed as a civilian').