interna
/een-TEHR-nah/
internal
Depicting something that is internal (within a structure or boundary).
interna(adjective)
internal
?within a structure or organization
,inner
?relating to the inside
resident
?living within a facility (feminine)
📝 In Action
La política interna del club es muy estricta.
A2The club's internal policy is very strict.
Tiene una herida interna, no se ve por fuera.
B1She has an internal wound; it can't be seen from the outside.
Necesitamos hacer una auditoría interna para revisar los libros.
B2We need to do an internal audit to check the books.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
Since 'interna' is an adjective, it must match the gender of the noun it describes. Use 'interna' only with feminine nouns (e.g., 'la política interna'). Use 'interno' for masculine nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'interna' for all nouns
Mistake: "El problema es interna."
Correction: El problema es interno. (Because 'problema' is masculine, even though it ends in -a.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on 'Inside'
Think of 'interna' as describing anything happening within the boundaries—whether physical (an injury) or organizational (a meeting).
Illustrating an interna, a female resident doctor in training.
interna(noun)
resident
?female doctor in training
,boarder
?female student living at school
,inmate
?female prisoner (less common but possible)
live-in helper
?domestic worker who lives in the home (common in some regions)
📝 In Action
La nueva interna del hospital trabaja en el turno de noche.
B1The new female resident doctor works the night shift.
Mi hermana fue interna en un colegio de monjas por diez años.
B2My sister was a boarder in a nun's school for ten years.
Contrataron una interna para cuidar a los niños y la casa.
B2They hired a live-in helper to look after the children and the house.
💡 Grammar Points
The Meaning of Place
When used as a noun, 'interna' always refers to a person whose life or work is centered inside a specific institution or home, emphasizing the 'live-in' aspect.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
In a hospital, 'interna' means a doctor in training. In a school, it means a student who lives there. In a home, it usually means a live-in domestic worker. The location tells you the specific job or role.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: interna
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'interna' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'interna' always used for female people?
Yes, when 'interna' refers to a person (like a doctor or a student boarder), it is the feminine form. If you are talking about a male person, you must use 'interno'.
How do I know if 'interna' means 'internal' or 'resident'?
If it comes right before or after a feminine thing (like 'política interna'), it means 'internal' (adjective). If it is used with the article 'la' and refers to a person ('la interna'), it means 'resident' or 'boarder' (noun).