local
/lo-CAL/
local
The adjective local means related to a nearby area.
local(adjective)
local
?related to a nearby area
regional
?pertaining to a region
,neighborhood
?pertaining to a neighborhood
📝 In Action
Queremos probar la comida local, no la turística.
A1We want to try the local food, not the touristy stuff.
La oficina central está en Madrid, pero tenemos muchas sucursales locales.
A2The main office is in Madrid, but we have many local branches.
💡 Grammar Points
Stays the Same
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'local' ends in -L and is the same for masculine and feminine nouns. The plural is always 'locales'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Change the Ending
Mistake: "La escuela locala."
Correction: La escuela local. (It doesn't end in 'a' for feminine nouns.)
As a noun, local can refer to commercial premises or a shop.
local(noun)
premises
?commercial space, shop
,store
?a small commercial space
venue
?place for an event or business
,business space
?real estate context
📝 In Action
Alquilamos un local muy grande para poner la panadería.
A2We rented a very large premises/space to set up the bakery.
El local donde se celebró la fiesta era precioso.
A2The venue where the party was held was beautiful.
Busco un local comercial en el centro de la ciudad.
B1I am looking for a commercial premises in the city center.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
When referring to a commercial space or venue, 'local' is always masculine: 'el local', 'los locales'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
In Spain, 'local' is often the general term for a small business or shop, where in some parts of Latin America, 'tienda' or 'negocio' might be more common.
Local can also be a noun referring to a person who is native to or lives permanently in a particular area.
local(noun)
local
?a person from that area
native
?a person who was born there
,resident
?a person who lives there
📝 In Action
Pregúntale a un local, seguro que conoce el camino más corto.
B1Ask a local, surely they know the shortest way.
Las locales siempre saben dónde comprar mejor.
B2The local women/residents always know where to shop best.
💡 Grammar Points
Used Like an Adjective
This noun is formed by using the adjective (Definition 1) alone. You can say 'el local' (the male local) or 'la local' (the female local), but remember the adjective form never changes its ending to -a.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: local
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'local' as a NOUN referring to a place of business?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'local' the same as 'lugar'?
Not exactly. 'Lugar' means 'place' in a general sense (e.g., 'Este es un buen lugar para comer'). 'Local' often specifically means a commercial building, store, or venue (e.g., 'El local está en venta'). While both relate to location, 'local' is much more specific about a building or establishment.
How do I know if 'local' is referring to a person or a store?
You can tell by the article and context. If it's 'el local' or 'un local' followed by a description of what is sold or housed, it's the place (the shop). If it’s describing 'un residente local' (a local resident) or used substantively like 'Pregúntale a un local,' it refers to a person.