Inklingo

How to Say "country" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “country” is “país” — use 'país' when referring to a sovereign nation with its own government and defined territory, similar to the English 'country' in a political or geographical sense..

English → Spanish

país

NounA1General
Use 'país' when referring to a sovereign nation with its own government and defined territory, similar to the English 'country' in a political or geographical sense.

Examples

¿De qué país eres?

What country are you from?

campo

/kahm-poh//ˈkampo/

NounA1General
Use 'campo' to mean the countryside or rural areas, as opposed to the city or urban environment.
A vast, open green field stretching to the horizon, representing the countryside, with a small red barn visible in the distance.

Examples

Mi abuela vive en el campo, lejos de la ciudad.

My grandmother lives in the countryside, far from the city.

Vimos muchas vacas en un campo verde.

We saw many cows in a green field.

Este fin de semana vamos de excursión al campo.

This weekend we're going on a trip to the country.

'El campo' vs 'Un campo'

Use 'el campo' (with 'the') to talk about the countryside in general. Use 'un campo' (with 'a') to talk about a specific, single field.

Country vs. Country

Mistake: “Quiero visitar el campo de México.”

Correction: To talk about a nation, use 'país': 'Quiero visitar el país de México.' Use 'campo' for the rural area within that nation: 'Me gusta el campo mexicano.'

nación

NounB1Formal/General
Use 'nación' when referring to a people or a nation in a broader sense, often emphasizing shared identity, culture, or history, as well as its government.

Examples

Cada nación tiene su propia bandera y sus tradiciones únicas.

Every nation has its own flag and its unique traditions.

tierra

/TYEH-rrah//ˈtjera/

NounB1General/Informal
Use 'tierra' in a sentimental or emotional context to refer to one's homeland, native land, or the place one feels deeply connected to.
A picturesque landscape featuring a winding path leading through vibrant green hills toward a small, welcoming cottage, symbolizing a return to one's native land.

Examples

Después de diez años, por fin regresó a su tierra.

After ten years, he finally returned to his homeland.

Extraño mucho la comida de mi tierra.

I really miss the food from my homeland.

País vs. Campo

Learners often confuse 'país' and 'campo'. Remember, 'país' refers to a nation-state (like France or Japan), while 'campo' refers to rural areas outside of cities (the countryside).

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.