Inklingo

How to Say "community" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comunidad

koh-moo-nee-DAHD/komuˈniðað/

nounA1general
Use 'comunidad' when referring to any group of people who share common interests, profession, or location, or for the general concept of community.
A diverse group of four people (two adults and two children) standing close together in a circle on a green lawn, smiling and holding hands, symbolizing unity and community.

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.

sociedad

soh-see-eh-DAHD/so.sjeˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'sociedad' to talk about a specific, often larger, group of people with shared interests, values, or a particular way of life, like 'society' in English.
A high quality storybook illustration showing five diverse people (adults and children) standing together in a circle and holding hands, symbolizing society and community.

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.

vecindario

veh-seen-DAHR-ee-oh/besinˈdaɾjo/

nounA2general
Use 'vecindario' specifically for the people who live in your immediate neighborhood or the area itself.
A view of a cheerful neighborhood street with multiple simple, colorful houses lined up among green trees.

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).

Comunidad vs. Vecindario

Learners often confuse 'comunidad' and 'vecindario'. Remember, 'comunidad' is broader and can refer to any group, while 'vecindario' is strictly about the people or area where you live.

Related Translations

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