virgen
/BEE-rhen/
pristine
Virgen describing pristine, untouched nature.
virgen(Adjective)
pristine
?untouched nature
,untouched
?unspoiled
wild
?referring to land
,blank
?a surface like paper or a record
📝 In Action
Exploramos una selva virgen donde nunca había estado nadie.
B1We explored a pristine jungle where no one had ever been.
El disco duro está virgen, no tiene archivos.
B2The hard drive is blank; it has no files.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement
As an adjective, 'virgen' must match the noun it describes in number and gender: 'una playa virgen' (a pristine beach) or 'territorios vírgenes' (pristine territories).
⭐ Usage Tips
Nature and Purity
This meaning is often used poetically or in environmental contexts to emphasize the untouched quality of a place.
Virgen used in the context of "extra virgin" to denote the highest quality oil.
📝 In Action
El aceite de oliva virgen extra es el mejor para la salud.
B2Extra virgin olive oil is the best for health.
Esta lana virgen es de muy alta calidad.
C1This pure wool is very high quality.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrases
When talking about products like olive oil, 'virgen' is part of a fixed phrase ('aceite virgen') that indicates its quality and processing method.
Virgen referring to the religious figure, the Virgin Mary.
📝 In Action
Visitamos la iglesia para ver la estatua de la Virgen.
A2We visited the church to see the statue of the Virgin.
La Virgen de Fátima es venerada en Portugal.
B1The Virgin of Fátima is worshipped in Portugal.
💡 Grammar Points
Capitalization
When referring to the Virgin Mary, 'Virgen' is usually capitalized (La Virgen) because it acts as a title or proper name.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Article
Mistake: "Using 'un virgen' when referring to the statue."
Correction: Always use the feminine article 'la' when referring to the religious figure or image: 'La Virgen' or 'una virgen'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, this is one of the most important words in daily conversation, even among non-religious people, due to cultural traditions.
Virgen used as a noun meaning a person who is inexperienced.
📝 In Action
Las vestales romanas eran vírgenes dedicadas al templo.
B2The Roman Vestals were virgins dedicated to the temple.
Se dice que la diosa era una virgen.
B1It is said that the goddess was a virgin.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Usage
While the word 'virgen' itself doesn't change form, the article and context show the gender: 'la virgen' (female) and 'el virgen' (male, though less common as a noun).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Adjective
It is often more natural to use the adjective form with a person: 'una persona virgen' (a virgin person).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: virgen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'virgen' to describe something untouched by humans?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'virgen' change based on gender?
No, the word 'virgen' itself does not change its spelling. It is used for both masculine and feminine nouns. However, the articles and other adjectives around it must change: 'el bosque virgen' (masculine) and 'la tierra virgen' (feminine).
How is 'Virgen' (capital V) different from 'virgen' (lowercase v)?
'Virgen' with a capital V almost always refers to the religious figure, the Virgin Mary. 'virgen' with a lowercase V is the adjective meaning untouched, pristine, or pure.