How to Say "flag" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “flag” is “bandera” — use this word for any national, organizational, or general flag, such as a country's flag or a team's banner.
bandera
bahn-DEH-rahbanˈdeɾa
Examples
La bandera de México tiene tres colores principales.
The flag of Mexico has three main colors.
Cada mañana, los estudiantes izan la bandera en el patio.
Every morning, the students raise the flag in the courtyard.
El barco navegaba bajo bandera panameña.
The ship sailed under the Panamanian flag.
Gender Check
Remember that 'bandera' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' before it: 'La bandera' (The flag).
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “El bandera.”
Correction: La bandera. Even though it ends in '-a', it's easy to forget the gender marker when you are starting out.
pabellón
Examples
El pabellón de España ondeaba en la popa del barco.
The Spanish flag flew from the stern of the ship.
enseña
Examples
La enseña del regimiento fue honrada por los soldados.
The regiment's standard was honored by the soldiers.
iris
ee-reesˈiɾis
Examples
El poeta describió un antiguo pabellón que se asemejaba a un iris.
The poet described an ancient banner that resembled an iris.
Plantamos unos hermosos iris en el jardín la primavera pasada.
We planted some beautiful irises in the garden last spring.
El iris es una flor que viene en muchos colores.
The iris is a flower that comes in many colors.
Connection to Color
Remember the iris flower is named because its petals display many colors, just like a rainbow. This helps link the flower meaning to the eye meaning.
Confusing 'Bandera' with Specific Terms
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