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patria

PAH-tree-ahˈpa.tɾja

homeland, fatherland, motherland

Also: native country
NounfB1
A colorful illustration of a small, welcoming farmhouse nestled among rolling green hills beneath a bright blue sky, symbolizing a homeland.

📝 In Action

El presidente habló de la necesidad de proteger la patria.

B1

The president spoke about the necessity of protecting the homeland.

Siento un gran amor por mi patria, aunque viva lejos.

B1

I feel a great love for my country, even though I live far away.

Volvió a su patria después de muchos años de exilio.

B2

He returned to his homeland after many years of exile.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • nación (nation)
  • tierra natal (native land)

Common Collocations

  • la madre patria – the motherland (often referring to Spain from former colonies)
  • servir a la patria – to serve the country
  • el amor a la patria – patriotism/love of country

Idioms & Expressions

  • morir por la patria – to die for one's country

birthplace

Also: source, native habitat
NounfC1 formal
A simple, colorful illustration showing an ancient stone well standing alone in a flat field, symbolizing a specific birthplace or point of origin.

📝 In Action

Grecia es considerada la patria de la democracia.

C1

Greece is considered the birthplace of democracy.

México es la patria del maíz y el chile.

B2

Mexico is the native land of corn and chili.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cuna (cradle (figurative origin))
  • lugar de origen (place of origin)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: patria

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'patria' in its figurative sense (source/birthplace)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin *patria*, which is a shortened version of *terra patria*, meaning 'land of the father.' It shares the same root as the Spanish word for father, *padre*.

First recorded: 11th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: patriaFrench: patrieEnglish: patriot

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'patria' and 'país'?

'País' is the neutral, geographical, or political term for 'country.' 'Patria' is much more emotional, referring to the cultural heritage, identity, and deep, personal feeling of home. You usually feel love or duty toward your 'patria'.

Why is 'patria' feminine, even though it relates to 'father' (*pater*)?

In Latin, *patria* was a noun describing the *terra* (land/earth), which is feminine. So, even though the root means 'father,' the resulting word meaning 'homeland' took on the feminine gender.