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How to Say "civilian" in Spanish

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civil

see-VEELθiˈβil

adjectiveA2general
Use 'civil' as an adjective when referring to matters or people that are not military or religious, often in contrast to 'militar' or 'eclesiástico'.
A group of diverse citizens walking and interacting peacefully on a town square sidewalk.

Examples

La distinción entre el derecho civil y el derecho militar es fundamental.

The distinction between civil law and military law is fundamental.

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-layssiˈβiles

adjectiveA2general
Use 'civiles' as the plural form of 'civil' when referring to multiple non-military people or matters.
A simple illustration of a stately, columned government building facade, representing civil authority and administration.

Examples

Se espera que las fuerzas civiles colaboren con las autoridades.

Civilian forces are expected to collaborate with the authorities.

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.

paisano

pie-SAH-nopaiˈsano

nounC1informal
Use 'paisano' specifically when referring to a person who is not in uniform, especially a police officer or soldier working undercover.
A person in everyday casual clothes walking past a row of empty military uniforms.

Examples

El agente se presentó de paisano para investigar el robo.

The agent presented himself in civilian clothes to investigate the robbery.

El policía iba vestido de paisano para pasar desapercibido.

The police officer was dressed in civilian clothes to go unnoticed.

Aunque es soldado, hoy está de paisano.

Although he is a soldier, today he is in civilian attire.

Varios agentes de paisano vigilaban la entrada del edificio.

Several plainclothes agents were watching the building entrance.

The phrase 'De Paisano'

To say someone is in civilian clothes, we always use the little word 'de' before 'paisano'.

Using 'Civil' for Clothes

Mistake: “Saying 'va en ropa civil'.”

Correction: Say 'va de paisano'. While 'civil' is technically correct, 'de paisano' is the natural way to say someone is out of uniform.

Adjective vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse 'civil'/'civiles' (adjective, meaning non-military) with 'paisano' (noun, meaning a person in plain clothes). Remember that 'civil' describes a category or status, while 'paisano' refers to an individual operating discreetly.

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