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How to Say "civil" in Spanish

English → Spanish

civil

/see-VEEL//θiˈβil/

adjectiveA2general
Use this when referring to matters concerning the citizens of a country, especially in contrast to military or religious affairs, or when discussing non-criminal legal matters.
A group of diverse citizens walking and interacting peacefully on a town square sidewalk.

Examples

La guerra civil dividió al país en dos bandos.

The civil war divided the country into two sides.

Todos los empleados son civiles, no hay personal militar.

All the employees are civilian, there is no military staff.

La sociedad civil pidió más transparencia al gobierno.

Civil society asked the government for more transparency.

El derecho civil regula las relaciones entre particulares.

Civil law regulates relationships between private individuals.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'civil' ends in -l, it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'el código civil' and 'la guerra civil'). It only changes form for plural: 'civiles'.

The 'Polite' Meaning

In older Spanish, or sometimes in very formal contexts, 'civil' can mean 'polite' or 'courteous,' similar to the English 'civil' when describing manners. This usage is less common today.

Confusing 'Civil' and 'Civic'

Mistake: “Using 'cívico' when referring to non-military life.”

Correction: Use 'civil' for non-military/general citizenry matters. 'Cívico' is usually reserved for duties or behavior related to being a good citizen (e.g., 'deber cívico' - civic duty).

civil

adjectiveB1legal
Use this specifically when talking about private law that governs relationships and disputes between individuals or organizations, as opposed to criminal law.

Examples

El derecho civil regula las relaciones entre particulares.

Civil law regulates relationships between private individuals.

civiles

see-VEE-lays/siˈβiles/

adjectiveA2general
Use this plural form when referring to agreements, matters, or groups that involve citizens or the general public, often in an international or cooperative context.
A simple illustration of a stately, columned government building facade, representing civil authority and administration.

Examples

Necesitamos más acuerdos civiles entre los países.

We need more civil agreements between the countries.

Los derechos civiles son fundamentales para la democracia.

Civil rights are fundamental for democracy.

La zona fue entregada a las autoridades civiles.

The area was handed over to the civil authorities.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'civiles' is plural, it must be used with plural nouns (like 'derechos' or 'autoridades'). The singular form is 'civil'.

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: “Usar 'derecho civil' cuando se habla de varios derechos.”

Correction: Use 'derechos civiles' (plural) when talking about multiple rights, or 'derecho civil' (singular) for the field of law itself.

Singular vs. Plural 'civil'

Learners often confuse 'civil' and 'civiles'. Remember that 'civil' is used for singular concepts like 'civil war' or 'civil law', while 'civiles' is the plural form, used for multiple agreements or matters involving citizens.

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