interno
“interno” means “internal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
internal, inner
Also: domestic, home
📝 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.
intern, resident
Also: boarder, inmate
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: interno
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'interno' as a person (a noun)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *internus*, meaning 'inward, internal, inner.' It shares a root with words like 'interior' and 'dentro' (inside).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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').