Inklingo

How to Say "district" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “district” is “distrito” — use 'distrito' for a general administrative or geographical subdivision of a city or larger area, often formally defined by the government.

distrito🔊A2

Use 'distrito' for a general administrative or geographical subdivision of a city or larger area, often formally defined by the government.

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zona🔊A2

Choose 'zona' to refer to a part of a city that is characterized by a specific type of activity, feature, or atmosphere.

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barrio🔊A1

Use 'barrio' to describe a neighborhood or a specific section within a city, often with a distinct local identity or history.

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vecindario🔊A2

Employ 'vecindario' to refer to a neighborhood, emphasizing the community of residents living in close proximity.

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sector🔊B1

Use 'sector' when referring to a specific administrative region or a clearly defined part of a larger area, often for logistical or security purposes.

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comarca🔊B1

Choose 'comarca' for a rural administrative or local division, typically a region with shared characteristics or a specific identity.

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colonia🔊B1

Use 'colonia' to refer to a subdivision of a city, especially common in some Latin American countries, or historically, a territory controlled by another country.

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comuna🔊B1

Employ 'comuna' for a city's administrative area, particularly in countries like Chile, or as a basic administrative unit in some European contexts.

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parroquia🔊B1

Use 'parroquia' for an administrative division in specific countries (like Venezuela) or parts of Spain, often historically linked to ecclesiastical boundaries.

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pagos🔊B2

Use 'pagos' to refer to a rural area or territory, often in a somewhat colloquial or regional sense, meaning 'these parts' or 'this area'.

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English → Spanish

distrito

dis-TREE-tohdisˈtɾito

nounA2general
Use 'distrito' for a general administrative or geographical subdivision of a city or larger area, often formally defined by the government.
A stylized aerial view illustration showing a green landscape clearly divided by a dashed line. On one side are a few red houses, representing one administrative area, and on the other side are a few blue houses, representing a separate area.

Examples

El ayuntamiento dividió la ciudad en varios distritos.

The city council divided the city into several districts.

Vamos a visitar el distrito histórico mañana.

We are going to visit the historical district tomorrow.

Ella fue elegida para representar al distrito electoral número cinco.

She was elected to represent the fifth electoral district.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'distrito' ends in 'o,' it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it, and make sure any descriptive words (adjectives) also end in 'o,' like 'el distrito nuevo' (the new district).

Confusing 'Distrito' and 'Barrio'

Mistake: “Using 'distrito' when you mean a small, informal neighborhood.”

Correction: 'Distrito' refers to a large, official administrative division. For a specific neighborhood where people live, use 'barrio': 'Vivo en este barrio' (I live in this neighborhood).

zona

SO-naˈsona

nounA2general
Choose 'zona' to refer to a part of a city that is characterized by a specific type of activity, feature, or atmosphere.
A stylized illustration of a forest area clearly marked with a distinct boundary line on a simplified map, representing a geographical area.

Examples

Vivo en una zona muy tranquila de la ciudad.

I live in a very quiet area of the city.

Esta es una zona peatonal, no se permiten coches.

This is a pedestrian zone, cars are not allowed.

La zona comercial cierra a las nueve de la noche.

The commercial district closes at nine at night.

Always Feminine: 'la zona'

Even though it doesn't end in '-a' like many feminine words, 'zona' is always feminine. So, you'll always use words like 'la', 'una', 'esta', or 'mucha' with it. For example: 'la zona bonita' (the pretty area).

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “Fui a el zona comercial.”

Correction: Fui a la zona comercial. Remember that 'zona' is a feminine word, so it needs 'la' not 'el'.

barrio

BAH-rryoˈba.rjo

nounA1general
Use 'barrio' to describe a neighborhood or a specific section within a city, often with a distinct local identity or history.
A colorful illustration depicting a quiet street lined with several small, distinct houses, representing a typical neighborhood or local area.

Examples

¿En qué barrio vives de Madrid?

Which neighborhood of Madrid do you live in?

Este barrio tiene muchas tiendas pequeñas y cafés.

This district has many small shops and cafes.

El ayuntamiento está planeando mejorar los parques del barrio residencial.

The city council is planning to improve the parks in the residential neighborhood.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'barrio' is a masculine noun, always use the masculine articles: 'el barrio' (the neighborhood) or 'un barrio' (a neighborhood).

Confusing 'barrio' and 'pueblo'

Mistake: “Using 'barrio' when referring to a small, separate town.”

Correction: A 'barrio' is a part of a larger city. If it's a small town outside a major city, use 'pueblo'.

vecindario

veh-seen-DAHR-ee-ohbesinˈdaɾjo

nounA2general
Employ 'vecindario' to refer to a neighborhood, emphasizing the community of residents living in close proximity.
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).

sector

sek-TORsekˈtoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'sector' when referring to a specific administrative region or a clearly defined part of a larger area, often for logistical or security purposes.
A colorful storybook map showing an aerial view of a town where one specific neighborhood cluster of houses is distinctly outlined and colored bright yellow, distinguishing it as a specific physical area or zone.

Examples

La policía acordonó ese sector de la ciudad después del accidente.

The police cordoned off that sector of the city after the accident.

Este sector del estadio ofrece una mejor vista del campo.

This section of the stadium offers a better view of the field.

El mapa muestra los sectores asignados a cada equipo de limpieza.

The map shows the zones assigned to each cleaning crew.

comarca

ko-MAR-kakoˈmaɾka

nounB1general
Choose 'comarca' for a rural administrative or local division, typically a region with shared characteristics or a specific identity.
A colorful illustration of a wide valley with green hills, a small village, and a river winding through the landscape.

Examples

Esta comarca es famosa por sus quesos artesanales.

This region is famous for its artisanal cheeses.

Hay muchos senderos para caminar por toda la comarca.

There are many trails for walking throughout the whole district.

La capital de la comarca se encuentra en un valle profundo.

The main town of the region is located in a deep valley.

It's a 'La' Word

Even though it doesn't refer to a person, 'comarca' is always feminine. Always use 'la comarca' or 'una comarca'.

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one region, just add an 's' to the end: 'las comarcas'.

Size Matters

Mistake: “Using 'comarca' to describe a whole country like 'La comarca de España'.”

Correction: A 'comarca' is a small local area, like a group of towns. Use 'país' for a country.

Spelling confusion

Mistake: “Writing 'comarca' with a 'k'.”

Correction: In Spanish, the /k/ sound before 'a' is always written with a 'c'. Use 'comarca'.

colonia

koh-LOH-nee-ahkoˈlo.nja

nounB1general
Use 'colonia' to refer to a subdivision of a city, especially common in some Latin American countries, or historically, a territory controlled by another country.
A small, simple historical settlement of several identical houses clustered together near a flagpole on a green hill.

Examples

La India fue una colonia británica durante muchos años.

India was a British colony for many years.

Necesito ir a la colonia Condesa; ¿sabes cómo llegar?

I need to go to the Condesa neighborhood; do you know how to get there?

Always Feminine

Even when talking about a large territory or a large district, 'colonia' is always a feminine noun, requiring 'la' or 'una'.

comuna

ko-MOO-nahkoˈmuna

nounB1general
Employ 'comuna' for a city's administrative area, particularly in countries like Chile, or as a basic administrative unit in some European contexts.
A colorful map-like view of a city neighborhood with distinct streets, small houses, and a local park.

Examples

Vivo en la comuna de Providencia.

I live in the Providencia district.

¿En qué comuna queda ese museo?

In which district is that museum located?

La alcaldesa de la comuna anunció nuevas obras en el parque.

The district mayor announced new works in the park.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Location Prepositions

When saying you are 'in' a district, use 'en la comuna de' followed by the name.

Confusing with Community

Mistake: “Hablé con la comuna local.”

Correction: Hablé con la comunidad local.

parroquia

pah-RROH-kyahpaˈrokja

nounB1general
Use 'parroquia' for an administrative division in specific countries (like Venezuela) or parts of Spain, often historically linked to ecclesiastical boundaries.
A small, colorful stone church with a red roof standing in the center of a cozy village neighborhood with small houses and green trees.

Examples

Nuestra parroquia organiza una fiesta cada verano.

Our parish organizes a festival every summer.

La oficina de correos está en la parroquia de al lado.

The post office is in the next district over.

Esa iglesia es la más antigua de la parroquia.

That church is the oldest one in the parish.

Always Feminine

The word 'parroquia' is always feminine. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if the neighborhood or the saint it's named after is masculine (e.g., 'la parroquia de San José').

Confusing the place with the priest

Mistake: “El parroquia es muy simpático.”

Correction: El párroco es muy simpático.

pagos

pah-gohsˈpa.ɣos

nounB2informal
Use 'pagos' to refer to a rural area or territory, often in a somewhat colloquial or regional sense, meaning 'these parts' or 'this area'.
A small, cozy village with red-roofed houses nestled in a green valley with rolling hills.

Examples

¿Qué te trae por estos pagos?

What brings you to these parts?

Extraño los pagos donde nací.

I miss the lands where I was born.

Regional Meaning

In this context, 'pagos' doesn't mean money. It comes from an old word for a rural district or village.

Distrito vs. Zona vs. Barrio

The most common confusion is between 'distrito', 'zona', and 'barrio'. While 'distrito' is often a formal administrative division, 'zona' refers to an area with a specific character, and 'barrio' is a more informal term for a neighborhood with a local feel. Avoid using 'distrito' for a casual neighborhood reference where 'barrio' or 'zona' would be more natural.

Related Translations

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