Inklingo
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pública

POO-bleek-ahˈpu.bli.ka

public, state-owned

Also: common
A bright, sunny park scene showing several diverse people sitting together on a long wooden bench, illustrating a public space.

📝 In Action

La biblioteca pública abre a las nueve.

A1

The public library opens at nine.

La opinión pública está dividida sobre el tema.

B1

Public opinion is divided on the topic.

Ella trabaja en la administración pública.

B2

She works in public administration (for the government).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • comunal (communal)
  • estatal (state-run)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • salud pública – public health
  • escuela pública – public school

prostitute

NounfC2archaic, derogatory
A highly visible woman standing alone on a busy, brightly lit street corner, surrounded by many passing people, emphasizing the archaic meaning of 'public woman'.

📝 In Action

El texto antiguo la describe como una pública.

C2

The ancient text describes her as a 'public woman' (prostitute).

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pública

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses the adjective 'pública'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
público(public (masculine adjective/noun)) — Adjective
publicar(to publish) — Verb
publicación(publication) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
aplicaexplica
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *pūblicus*, which meant 'of the people' or 'belonging to the state'. This word is closely related to the Latin word *populus*, meaning 'people'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: pubblicaPortuguese: pública

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'público' and 'pública'?

They mean the exact same thing ('public'), but they must match the gender of the noun they describe. Use 'público' for masculine things (like 'el servicio') and 'pública' for feminine things (like 'la escuela').

Why did 'pública' historically mean 'prostitute'?

This meaning stemmed from the idea that a person was 'publicly available' or 'open to all,' contrasting with the idea of a private, domestic life. This usage is now archaic and extremely offensive.