Inklingo

How to Say "neighborhood" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “neighborhood” is “barrio” — use 'barrio' to refer to a specific, often well-defined, area or district within a city or town, sometimes implying a sense of local identity or community..

barrio🔊A1

Use 'barrio' to refer to a specific, often well-defined, area or district within a city or town, sometimes implying a sense of local identity or community.

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vecindario🔊A2

Use 'vecindario' to describe the immediate vicinity or the group of people living around a particular place, focusing on the residential aspect.

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comunidad🔊A1

Use 'comunidad' when referring to the collective group of people living in an area and their shared interests or activities, rather than just the physical space.

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local🔊A1

Use 'local' as an adjective to describe something that pertains to or is found in the specific area or neighborhood, often contrasting with something from outside.

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colonia🔊B1

Use 'colonia' primarily in Mexico and some other Latin American countries to refer to a residential district or urban neighborhood.

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English → Spanish

barrio

/BAH-rryo//ˈba.rjo/

nounA1general
Use 'barrio' to refer to a specific, often well-defined, area or district within a city or town, sometimes implying a sense of local identity or community.
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-oh/besinˈdaɾjo/

nounA2general
Use 'vecindario' to describe the immediate vicinity or the group of people living around a particular place, focusing on the residential aspect.
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).

comunidad

koh-moo-nee-DAHD/komuˈniðað/

nounA1general
Use 'comunidad' when referring to the collective group of people living in an area and their shared interests or activities, rather than just the physical space.
A diverse group of four people (two adults and two children) standing close together in a circle on a green lawn, smiling and holding hands, symbolizing unity and community.

Examples

La comunidad local organizó una limpieza del parque.

The local community organized a park cleanup.

Vivimos en una comunidad de vecinos muy tranquila.

We live in a very peaceful neighborhood community (of residents).

Él es un miembro activo de la comunidad científica.

He is an active member of the scientific community.

Feminine Noun Pattern

Words in Spanish that end in '-dad' (like ciudad, verdad, libertad) are almost always feminine, even though they don't end in the letter 'a'. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El comunidad”

Correction: La comunidad. Since it ends in -dad, it is feminine.

local

lo-CAL/loˈkal/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'local' as an adjective to describe something that pertains to or is found in the specific area or neighborhood, often contrasting with something from outside.
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.

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'.

Don't Change the Ending

Mistake: “La escuela locala.”

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

colonia

/koh-LOH-nee-ah//koˈlo.nja/

nounB1general
Use 'colonia' primarily in Mexico and some other Latin American countries to refer to a residential district or urban neighborhood.
A small, simple historical settlement of several identical houses clustered together near a flagpole on a green hill.

Examples

Mi casa está en una colonia muy bonita.

My house is in a very nice neighborhood.

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'.

Barrio vs. Vecindario

Learners often confuse 'barrio' and 'vecindario'. While both refer to a neighborhood, 'barrio' often implies a more distinct area with its own character, whereas 'vecindario' focuses more on the immediate surroundings and residents.

Related Translations

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