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príncipe

PREEN-see-peh/ˈpɾinθipe/

“príncipe” means “prince” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

prince

Also: sovereign
NounmA1
A young boy with short hair wearing a small gold crown and a red velvet royal cloak, standing regally.

📝 In Action

El príncipe heredero asistió a la ceremonia.

A2

The crown prince attended the ceremony.

En los cuentos de hadas, la princesa se casa con un príncipe valiente.

A1

In fairy tales, the princess marries a brave prince.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • príncipe azul – Prince Charming (ideal man)
  • príncipe consorte – prince consort

master, champion

Also: ace
NounmB1informal
An older man with a gray beard, dressed in simple clothes, holding a paintbrush and looking thoughtfully at a large, finished painting on an easel.

📝 In Action

Es considerado el príncipe de la literatura moderna.

B2

He is considered the master/prince of modern literature.

Siempre trata a sus invitados como a príncipes.

B1

He always treats his guests like royalty (like princes).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "príncipe" in Spanish:

prince→sovereign→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: príncipe

Question 1 of 1

¿En cuál de las siguientes frases 'príncipe' se usa de forma figurada?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
princesa(princess (feminine form)) — Noun
principado(principality (the territory a prince rules)) — Noun
principesco(princely (adjective)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
partícipemúltiple
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *princeps*, which means 'chief,' 'first,' or 'leading person.' This emphasizes the idea of someone who holds the primary position of importance.

First recorded: Before the 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: principeFrench: prince

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'príncipe' and 'princesa'?

'Príncipe' is the masculine form (a male member of royalty or a ruler). 'Princesa' is the feminine form (a female member of royalty or a ruler's daughter).

Can I use 'príncipe' to talk about a political leader?

Yes, but usually only in a historical context or formal literature. For example, Niccolò Machiavelli's famous work *The Prince* is titled *El Príncipe* in Spanish, referring to a political ruler or head of state.