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A majestic, brightly colored palace featuring multiple spires, turrets, and a prominent central entrance.

palacio

pah-LAH-see-oh

nounmA1
palace?royal residence or grand official building
Also:mansion?a very large, stately home,official building?government or public office

📝 In Action

El presidente trabaja en el palacio de gobierno.

A1

The president works in the government palace (or building).

El Palacio Real de Madrid es una atracción turística popular.

A2

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a popular tourist attraction.

Dicen que la familia construyó un palacio con todo su dinero.

B1

They say the family built a mansion with all their money.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • castillo (castle)
  • residencia (residence)
  • mansión (mansion)

Common Collocations

  • palacio real – royal palace
  • palacio de justicia – courthouse / palace of justice
  • palacio presidencial – presidential palace

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Rule

Remember that 'palacio' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el palacio'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "La palacio."

Correction: El palacio. Although many words ending in '-o' are masculine, it's always good to confirm, but this one follows the standard pattern.

⭐ Usage Tips

More Than Royalty

While it often means a king's residence, 'palacio' is also used for important public buildings like city halls or arts centers (e.g., 'Palacio de Bellas Artes').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: palacio

Question 1 of 1

Which Spanish phrase correctly refers to the residence of the person ruling a country?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

palaciego(palatial (like a palace)) - adjective
palacete(small palace or stately home) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'palacio' and 'castillo'?

'Castillo' (castle) usually refers to a medieval fortress built primarily for defense, with high walls and towers. 'Palacio' (palace) refers to a large, magnificent building built for residence or official functions, designed for luxury and administration rather than warfare.