interno
/een-TEHR-noh/
internal
The adjective interno describes something internal, like the inside of this home.
interno(adjective)
internal
?relating to the inside of a body, building, or organization
,inner
?describing a feeling or part that is deep inside
domestic
?relating to affairs within a country
,home
?used in IT/computer contexts, e.g., internal network
📝 In Action
El motor tiene un problema interno que no podemos ver.
A2The engine has an internal problem that we cannot see.
La política interna de la empresa cambió la semana pasada.
B1The company's internal policy changed last week.
Sentí una alegría interna muy grande después de ganar.
B2I felt a very great inner joy after winning.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
As an adjective, 'interno' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'interna' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'política interna') and 'internos'/'internas' for plural nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: "Usar 'internamente' cuando se necesita el adjetivo. (e.g., 'El daño fue internamente')"
Correction: Use the adjective form: 'El daño fue interno.' 'Internamente' (internally) is an adverb describing how an action is done.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Country Affairs
When talking about politics or issues happening inside one country, use 'interno' instead of 'nacional' (national). 'Problemas internos' means domestic problems.
As a noun, interno refers to an intern or trainee, often in a medical or organizational setting.
interno(noun)
intern
?a student or trainee working in a hospital or organization
,resident
?a doctor receiving specialist training in a hospital
boarder
?a student who lives at a boarding school
,inmate
?a person confined to a prison or institution (less common, formal)
📝 In Action
El interno de cirugía trabaja 60 horas a la semana.
B1The surgical intern (or resident) works 60 hours a week.
Todos los internos del colegio deben seguir las reglas estrictamente.
B2All the boarders at the school must follow the rules strictly.
Mañana le preguntaré al interno sobre mis resultados.
A2Tomorrow I will ask the resident about my results.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Feminine Form
When referring to a female person who is an intern or resident, the word changes to 'la interna'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Interno' with 'Becario'
Mistake: "Using 'interno' for a general office intern or trainee who doesn't live at the workplace."
Correction: For standard office trainees or unpaid apprenticeships, 'becario' or 'pasante' is usually better. 'Interno' often implies living within the institution (like a hospital or boarding school).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: interno
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'interno' as a person (a noun)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'interno' different from 'exterior'?
'Interno' refers to things happening inside or within a boundary (like a building, a body, or an organization). 'Exterior' refers to things happening outside or on the surface.
Can 'interno' be used for both people and things?
Yes! When used as an adjective, it describes things (e.g., 'el circuito interno'). When used as a noun, it refers to a male person who lives or works within an institution (e.g., 'el interno del hospital').