Inklingo

How to Say "local" in Spanish

English → Spanish

local

lo-CAL/loˈkal/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'local' as an adjective when describing something that pertains to or is situated in a nearby area, as opposed to something foreign or imported.
A stylized illustration of a colorful, unique house with a large map pin sticking into the ground right next to it, signifying a specific location.

Examples

Queremos probar la comida local, no la turística.

We want to try the local food, not the touristy stuff.

La oficina central está en Madrid, pero tenemos muchas sucursales locales.

The main office is in Madrid, but we have many local branches.

Pregúntale a un local, seguro que conoce el camino más corto.

Ask a local, surely they know the shortest way.

Las locales siempre saben dónde comprar mejor.

The local women/residents always know where to shop best.

Stays the Same

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'local' ends in -L and is the same for masculine and feminine nouns. The plural is always 'locales'.

Used Like an Adjective

This noun is formed by using the adjective (Definition 1) alone. You can say 'el local' (the male local) or 'la local' (the female local), but remember the adjective form never changes its ending to -a.

Don't Change the Ending

Mistake: “La escuela locala.”

Correction: La escuela local. (It doesn't end in 'a' for feminine nouns.)

local

lo-CAL/loˈkal/

nounB1general
Use 'local' as a noun to refer to a person who lives in or is from the specific area you are discussing.
A stylized illustration of a colorful, unique house with a large map pin sticking into the ground right next to it, signifying a specific location.

Examples

Pregúntale a un local, seguro que conoce el camino más corto.

Ask a local, surely they know the shortest way.

Queremos probar la comida local, no la turística.

We want to try the local food, not the touristy stuff.

La oficina central está en Madrid, pero tenemos muchas sucursales locales.

The main office is in Madrid, but we have many local branches.

Las locales siempre saben dónde comprar mejor.

The local women/residents always know where to shop best.

Stays the Same

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'local' ends in -L and is the same for masculine and feminine nouns. The plural is always 'locales'.

Used Like an Adjective

This noun is formed by using the adjective (Definition 1) alone. You can say 'el local' (the male local) or 'la local' (the female local), but remember the adjective form never changes its ending to -a.

Don't Change the Ending

Mistake: “La escuela locala.”

Correction: La escuela local. (It doesn't end in 'a' for feminine nouns.)

natural

/nah-too-RAHL//na.tuˈɾal/

nounC1formal
Use 'natural de' followed by a place name to describe someone as being a native or inhabitant of that particular town or region.
A person standing confidently next to a giant saguaro cactus in a stylized desert landscape, symbolizing a native resident of that area.

Examples

Mi abuelo es natural de un pequeño pueblo costero.

My grandfather is a native of a small coastal town.

Los naturales de la isla recibieron a los visitantes con una danza tradicional.

The natives (or local inhabitants) of the island greeted the visitors with a traditional dance.

Noun Use

When used as a noun, 'natural' means 'person from that place.' Remember to use the appropriate article: 'el natural' (male native) or 'la natural' (female native).

Confusing 'local' (person) with 'natural de'

Learners often use 'local' as a noun when they mean 'natural de' to describe someone's origin. Remember, 'local' as a noun refers to someone from the immediate area, while 'natural de' emphasizes being born or raised in a specific place.

Related Translations

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