pueblo
/pweh-bloh/
town
Definition 1: Town/Village. (Mi abuela vive en un pueblo pequeño en las montañas.)
pueblo(Noun)
town
?A populated area larger than a village but smaller than a city.
village
?Often used interchangeably with 'town' for smaller communities.
📝 In Action
Mi abuela vive en un pueblo pequeño en las montañas.
A1My grandmother lives in a small town in the mountains.
Vamos al pueblo para comprar pan fresco.
A2We're going to the town to buy fresh bread.
Cada verano, el pueblo celebra una fiesta grande.
A2Every summer, the town celebrates a big festival.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it doesn't end in -o like many masculine words, 'pueblo' is a masculine noun. This means you'll always say 'el pueblo' (the town) or 'un pueblo' (a town).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Town vs. City
Mistake: "Me encanta visitar el pueblo de Nueva York."
Correction: Me encanta visitar la ciudad de Nueva York. Use 'pueblo' for smaller places like towns and villages. For big places like New York, London, or Mexico City, you need to use 'ciudad'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Heart of the Community
'Pueblo' often has a warm, cozy feeling. It suggests a close-knit community, a central square, and a slower pace of life compared to a 'ciudad' (city).
Definition 2: People/Nation. (El pueblo mexicano tiene una rica historia y cultura.)
pueblo(Noun)
people
?A group of persons forming a nation or ethnic group.
nation
?A large body of people united by common descent, history, or culture.
📝 In Action
El pueblo mexicano tiene una rica historia y cultura.
B1The Mexican people have a rich history and culture.
Es una tradición antigua para el pueblo judío.
B2It's an ancient tradition for the Jewish people.
La ONU defiende los derechos de los pueblos indígenas.
B2The UN defends the rights of indigenous peoples.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular for a Group
Notice how 'el pueblo' is singular, but it refers to a whole group of people. If you're talking about multiple distinct nations or ethnic groups, you can make it plural: 'los pueblos de Latinoamérica' (the peoples of Latin America).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Pueblo' vs. 'Gente'
Mistake: "El gente mexicano es muy amable."
Correction: El pueblo mexicano es muy amable. OR La gente de México es muy amable. Use 'pueblo' when you're talking about a nation as a single unit with a shared identity. Use 'gente' for 'people' in a more general, everyday sense ('Hay mucha gente aquí' - There are a lot of people here).
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking About Identity
This meaning of 'pueblo' is perfect for conversations about history, culture, politics, and national pride. It emphasizes a shared identity.
Definition 3: The Populace/The Common People. (El gobierno debe escuchar la voluntad del pueblo.)
pueblo(Noun)
the people
?The common people of a country, as opposed to the elite or government.
the populace
?The ordinary people of a country.
📝 In Action
El gobierno debe escuchar la voluntad del pueblo.
B2The government must listen to the will of the people.
El candidato prometió luchar por el pueblo.
B2The candidate promised to fight for the people.
La revolución fue considerada una victoria del pueblo.
C1The revolution was considered a victory of the people.
⭐ Usage Tips
Political Power
This meaning almost always has a political flavor. It's about the power of ordinary citizens in a society, often in contrast to those in charge.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pueblo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pueblo' to mean 'the people' as a nation or political group?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'pueblo', 'ciudad', and 'aldea'?
Think of them in terms of size! An 'aldea' is the smallest, like a hamlet or a tiny village with just a few houses. A 'pueblo' is a town or larger village; it's bigger than an 'aldea' and has more services. A 'ciudad' is the biggest; it's a city like Madrid, Bogotá, or Lima.
Can I use 'pueblo' to talk about 'my people' (my family/friends)?
Not really. For your close group of friends or family, it's more natural to say 'mi gente' (my people) or 'los míos' (my people/my folks). 'Pueblo' refers to a much larger group, like a whole nation or the citizens of a country.