territorio
/teh-ree-TOH-ryoh/
territory
The concept of territorio as a defined geographical area is shown by the clear boundaries separating one section of land from another.
territorio(noun)
territory
?a defined geographical area
,area
?general region or zone
land
?a specific piece of earth, often controlled
📝 In Action
Este río marca la frontera natural del territorio nacional.
B1This river marks the natural border of the national territory.
Los leones defienden su territorio de otros animales.
A2Lions defend their territory from other animals.
El presidente visitó todos los territorios de la provincia.
B2The president visited all the areas (or territories) of the province.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though many Spanish words ending in '-a' are feminine, words ending in '-o' like 'territorio' are almost always masculine, requiring 'el' or 'un' before them.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Article
Mistake: "La territorio es grande."
Correction: El territorio es grande. Remember to use the masculine article 'el'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Territorio' is often used in formal or official contexts (like law or government), but 'área' or 'zona' might sound more natural in casual conversation.
In the context of knowledge, territorio means 'domain' or area of expertise, like the specialized workshop of a master craftsman.
territorio(noun)
domain
?area of expertise or knowledge
,turf
?informal area of personal influence
field
?area of study or work
📝 In Action
La ciencia de datos es un territorio nuevo para muchos economistas.
C1Data science is a new domain (or territory) for many economists.
No puedo ayudarte con eso; está fuera de mi territorio.
B2I can't help you with that; it's outside my area of expertise (or my turf).
Este proyecto es mi territorio exclusivo, por favor no interfieras.
C1This project is my exclusive domain, please don't interfere.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de'
When using 'territorio' in the figurative sense, you often link it to the area of expertise using the word 'de' (of): 'territorio de la ley' (the domain of law).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
This meaning is great for sounding more advanced! Use it to describe abstract areas, like a tough topic in a discussion or a specialized subject in school.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: territorio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'territorio' in its figurative sense (meaning area of expertise)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'territorio' always refer to a very large area?
No. While it often refers to a country or a large province (political territory), it can also describe a small, specific area that an animal defends, or even a small space that someone considers their own personal domain.