Inklingo

How to Say "civilian" in Spanish

English → Spanish

civil

/see-VEEL//θiˈβil/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'civil' when referring to a non-military person or a matter that is not military in nature, often in a singular context.
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.

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'.

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).

civiles

see-VEE-lays/siˈβiles/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'civiles' when referring to non-military matters or people in a plural context, or when discussing agreements and relationships between groups or countries.
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.

Civil vs. Civiles

The most common mistake is not accounting for number. 'Civil' is typically singular, referring to one non-military person or aspect, while 'civiles' is plural, referring to multiple non-military entities or concepts.

Related Translations

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