Inklingo
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patria

/PAH-tree-ah/

homeland

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

The most common meaning of patria is one's emotional and ancestral homeland or native country.

patria(noun)

fB1

homeland

?

native country, often used emotionally

,

fatherland

?

formal or traditional context

,

motherland

?

formal or traditional context

Also:

native country

?

general reference

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

'Patria' is always a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' before it, even though it doesn't end in '-a' in the traditional sense.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'País' vs. 'Patria'

Mistake: "Using 'país' when trying to express a deep, emotional connection."

Correction: Use 'patria' when discussing national identity, pride, or duty. Use 'país' for geographical or administrative descriptions ('Mi país es grande').

⭐ Usage Tips

Emotional Weight

'Patria' carries heavy historical and emotional weight. It often sounds more formal and emphasizes citizenship and heritage, unlike the more neutral 'país' (country).

A simple, colorful illustration showing an ancient stone well standing alone in a flat field, symbolizing a specific birthplace or point of origin.

The word patria can also mean the birthplace or origin of a famous person, idea, or tradition.

patria(noun)

fC1

birthplace

?

origin of a famous person, idea, or tradition

Also:

source

?

figurative origin

,

native habitat

?

for plants or animals

📝 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)

⭐ Usage Tips

Poetic Usage

Use this meaning when you want to elevate the status of a location, suggesting it is the original, most important home for a specific cultural item or concept.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: patria

Question 1 of 1

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

📚 More Resources

Word Family

patriota(patriot) - noun
patriótico(patriotic) - adjective
compatriota(fellow countryman/woman) - noun

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.