How to Say "community" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “community” is “comunidad” — use this when referring to a general group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
comunidad
koh-moo-nee-DAHDkomuˈniðað
Examples
La comunidad local organizó una limpieza del parque.
The local community organized a park cleanup.
Vivimos en una comunidad de vecinos muy tranquila.
We live in a very peaceful neighborhood community (of residents).
Él es un miembro activo de la comunidad científica.
He is an active member of the scientific community.
Feminine Noun Pattern
Words in Spanish that end in '-dad' (like ciudad, verdad, libertad) are almost always feminine, even though they don't end in the letter 'a'. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' with them.
Gender Confusion
Mistake: “El comunidad”
Correction: La comunidad. Since it ends in -dad, it is feminine.
vecindario
veh-seen-DAHR-ee-ohbesinˈdaɾjo
Examples
Mi vecindario es muy tranquilo y seguro.
My neighborhood is very quiet and safe.
Necesitamos mejorar la iluminación en todo el vecindario.
We need to improve the lighting throughout the entire neighborhood.
Todo el vecindario se reunió para la fiesta anual.
The whole community (neighborhood) gathered for the annual party.
Masculine Noun Rule
Since 'vecindario' ends in '-o', it is a masculine word and always uses 'el' or 'un' (el vecindario, un vecindario).
Confusing 'vecindario' and 'vecino'
Mistake: “Using 'vecino' when you mean the place.”
Correction: 'Vecindario' is the place (the neighborhood). 'Vecino' is the person (the neighbor).
comunitario
ko-moo-nee-ta-ryokomuniˈtaɾjo
Examples
El centro comunitario está abierto todos los días.
The community center is open every day.
Participamos en un proyecto comunitario para plantar árboles.
We are participating in a community project to plant trees.
Es importante fomentar el espíritu comunitario en el barrio.
It is important to encourage community spirit in the neighborhood.
Los ciudadanos comunitarios no necesitan visa para viajar.
EU citizens do not need a visa to travel.
Matching the Noun
Since this word ends in '-o', it must change to '-a' when describing feminine things (una labor comunitaria) and add an '-s' for plural things (proyectos comunitarios).
Placement
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the thing it is describing, unlike in English where 'community' comes first (e.g., 'community center' becomes 'centro comunitario').
Specific Meaning in News
In a political context, especially in Europe, this word specifically refers to the European Union (EU) rather than just any general community.
Word Order Flip
Mistake: “El comunitario centro.”
Correction: El centro comunitario. In Spanish, the noun (the thing) almost always comes before the adjective (the description).
Confusing EU vs. Local
Mistake: “Using 'comunitario' to mean 'EU' in a small town in South America.”
Correction: In Latin America, 'comunitario' almost always refers to local social groups. The 'EU' meaning is mostly used in Spain and international politics.
sociedad
soh-see-eh-DAHDso.sjeˈðað
Examples
Vivimos en una sociedad muy diversa.
We live in a very diverse society.
La sociedad civil protestó contra la nueva ley.
Civil society protested against the new law.
El bienestar de la sociedad es responsabilidad de todos.
The well-being of society is everyone's responsibility.
Feminine Ending
Words in Spanish that end in -dad, like 'sociedad' (or 'ciudad' and 'libertad'), are almost always feminine and require feminine articles (la sociedad).
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: “El sociedad es importante.”
Correction: La sociedad es importante. Remember, it is a feminine noun.
Comunidad vs. Vecindario
Related Translations
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