nacional
/nah-sio-NAHL (or nah-thio-NAHL in Spain)/
national
This image illustrates 'nacional' (pertaining to a country) by showing a flag planted within a simplified country border.
nacional(adjective)
national
?Pertaining to a country
,federal
?Governmental level
domestic
?Within the country's borders
📝 In Action
La selección nacional ganó el partido.
A1The national team won the game.
El himno nacional es muy emotivo.
A2The national anthem is very moving.
Necesitamos un debate nacional sobre la educación.
B1We need a national debate about education.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement (Simplified)
Since 'nacional' ends in -L, it is one of those helpful adjectives that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (el equipo nacional, la bandera nacional).
Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish, 'nacional' usually follows the noun it describes (la economía nacional, not la nacional economía).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Products
Use 'nacional' when talking about a product or brand produced in your country, contrasting it with imported items.
This storybook image depicts a 'nacional' (a citizen or resident) as a person happy to be in their homeland.
nacional(noun)
national
?Citizen or resident of a country
,national team member
?Athlete representing the country
domestic product
?Goods produced locally
📝 In Action
El hotel está reservado solo para nacionales en esta época.
B1The hotel is reserved only for nationals (citizens) during this time.
Es una de las nacionales más talentosas del equipo.
B2She is one of the most talented national team members.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Acting as a Noun
In this case, the adjective 'nacional' is used like a noun. If you are talking about a man, use 'el nacional'; if you are talking about a woman, use 'la nacional'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This noun form is often found in official documents, immigration papers, and news reports. In casual conversation, 'ciudadano' (citizen) or simply the name of the nationality (e.g., 'el mexicano') is more common.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: nacional
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'nacional' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'nacional' different from 'nacionalidad'?
'Nacional' is usually an adjective describing something related to the country (like 'national sport'). 'Nacionalidad' is a noun that means your citizenship or the country you belong to (e.g., 'What is your nationality?').
Can I use 'nacional' to describe myself?
Yes, but usually only in official contexts. In casual conversation, you would use the specific demonym (like 'Soy colombiano' or 'Soy español') rather than saying 'Soy nacional'.