occidental
/ok-see-den-TAHL/
western
Occidental, meaning 'western,' is often associated with the direction of the setting sun.
occidental(adjective)
western
?direction or geographic location
,Occidental
?relating to Western civilization/culture
west
?when describing a region (e.g., western part)
📝 In Action
Las montañas se encuentran en la parte occidental del país.
B2The mountains are located in the western part of the country.
Estudiamos la historia del arte occidental en la universidad.
C1We studied the history of Western art at the university.
El viento occidental trae aire fresco desde el mar.
B2The western wind brings fresh air from the sea.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'occidental' ends in -l, it only changes to match the number (singular or plural) of the noun it describes, not the gender. It's 'el lado occidental' and 'la costa occidental'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Occidental vs. Oeste
Mistake: "Using 'oeste' as an adjective (e.g., 'la parte oeste')."
Correction: Use 'occidental' as the adjective ('la parte occidental'). 'Oeste' is typically used as a noun for the direction itself.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization Context
In Spanish, the adjective 'occidental' is usually written in lowercase unless it is part of a proper noun (like 'Europa Occidental').
When used as a noun, occidental refers to a 'Westerner,' or a person from the West.
📝 In Action
El grupo de turistas estaba compuesto por orientales y occidentales.
C1The tourist group was composed of Easterners and Westerners.
Como occidental, a veces me cuesta acostumbrarme a las costumbres locales.
C1As a Westerner, sometimes it's hard for me to get used to the local customs.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Gender
When used as a noun, 'occidental' acts like an adjective describing a person. It can be masculine ('el occidental') or feminine ('la occidental'), depending on the gender of the person you are referring to.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: occidental
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'occidental' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'occidental' and 'oeste'?
'Oeste' is the noun for the direction itself (like North, South, East, West). 'Occidental' is the adjective you use to describe something that belongs to or is located in that direction (like northern, southern, eastern, western). For example: 'El viento del oeste' (The wind from the west) versus 'La costa occidental' (The western coast).