Inklingo

How to Say "federal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

federal

feh-deh-RAHL/feðeˈɾal/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'federal' when referring to the central government or its institutions, particularly in a formal or legal context.
A large, majestic government building (the central authority) situated in the middle, with three smaller, identical buildings (regional entities) surrounding it. Pathways clearly connect the smaller buildings directly to the central one.

Examples

La policía federal intervino en el aeropuerto.

The federal police intervened at the airport.

Necesitamos una ley federal para regular este asunto en todos los estados.

We need a federal law to regulate this issue in all the states.

El gobierno federal ha prometido más ayuda a las provincias.

The federal government has promised more aid to the provinces.

Gender Invariable Adjective

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'federal' does not change its ending based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine. You use 'federal' for both: 'el gobierno federal' and 'la ley federal'.

Pronouncing the 'R'

Mistake: “Pronouncing the single 'r' in 'federal' like a strong rolled 'rr' sound.”

Correction: The single 'r' in the middle of a word like this is a soft 'r' (a quick tap of the tongue), not a rolled 'rr' sound.

federales

feh-deh-RAH-less/feðeˈɾales/

adjectiveB1formal
Use 'federales' when referring to laws or matters that apply to the entire country under a centralized government structure.
An illustration showing several smaller, distinct buildings connected by paths leading to one dominant, central government building, symbolizing centralization.

Examples

Las leyes federales son aplicables en todo el territorio.

Federal laws are applicable throughout the entire territory.

Necesitamos fondos federales para terminar el proyecto de infraestructura.

We need federal funds to finish the infrastructure project.

Las elecciones federales se celebran cada cuatro años.

Federal elections are held every four years.

Adjective Placement

Like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish, 'federales' usually comes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'leyes federales').

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “Leyes federales (femenino)”

Correction: Remember that adjectives must match the noun. If you are describing plural female nouns (like 'leyes'), you use 'federales'. If describing plural male nouns (like 'impuestos'), you also use 'federales' because the word doesn't change based on gender.

nacional

nah-sio-NAHL (or nah-thio-NAHL in Spain)/na.θjoˈnal/

adjectiveA1
Use 'nacional' when referring to something pertaining to the entire country, often used for teams, issues, or institutions that represent the nation as a whole, regardless of the specific governmental structure.
A simple, green outline of a country shape with a tall flagpole holding a brightly colored flag planted in the center.

Examples

La selección nacional ganó el partido.

The national team won the game.

El himno nacional es muy emotivo.

The national anthem is very moving.

Necesitamos un debate nacional sobre la educación.

We need a national debate about education.

Gender Agreement (Simplified)

Since 'nacional' ends in -L, it is one of those helpful adjectives that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (el equipo nacional, la bandera nacional).

Placement

Like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish, 'nacional' usually follows the noun it describes (la economía nacional, not la nacional economía).

Federal vs. Nacional

Learners often confuse 'federal'/'federales' with 'nacional'. Remember that 'federal'/'federales' specifically implies a system of central government, while 'nacional' simply means 'national' or 'country-wide' and can apply to many contexts beyond government structure.

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