municipal
“municipal” means “municipal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
municipal
Also: city, local
📝 In Action
La biblioteca municipal abre a las nueve.
A2The municipal library opens at nine.
Necesitas un permiso municipal para construir eso.
B1You need a city permit to build that.
El presupuesto municipal se discutirá en la reunión de mañana.
B2The city budget will be discussed in tomorrow's meeting.
local police officer
📝 In Action
Un municipal me ayudó a encontrar la calle.
B1A local cop helped me find the street.
Los municipales están regulando el tráfico.
B1The city police are directing traffic.
Pregúntale a esa municipal donde está el ayuntamiento.
B2Ask that officer (female) where the town hall is.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: municipal
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the city library'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'municipalis,' which referred to the 'municipium'—a town where citizens had the same rights as Romans but their own local laws.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'municipal' change in the plural?
Yes! Just add '-es'. For example: 'las elecciones municipales' (the city elections).
What is the difference between 'ayuntamiento' and 'municipal'?
'Ayuntamiento' is the noun for the actual building or the government itself (the Town Hall). 'Municipal' is the adjective that describes things belonging to it.
Is it rude to call a police officer 'un municipal'?
It's not exactly rude, but it is informal. In a formal setting or when speaking directly to them, 'agente' or 'oficial' is more polite.