Inklingo

How to Say "precinct" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comisaría

nounA2general
Use 'comisaría' when referring to a local police station or the administrative district it serves.

Examples

Mi vecino trabaja en la comisaría del centro.

My neighbor works at the downtown police station.

recinto

/reh-SEEN-toh//reˈsinto/

nounB1general
Use 'recinto' to describe any specific, enclosed, or defined area or space, such as a fairground, stadium, or event venue.
A small green garden area completely surrounded by a low, circular stone wall with a wooden gate.

Examples

El recinto deportivo está abierto hasta las diez de la noche.

The sports complex is open until ten at night.

El recinto ferial es enorme y tiene muchos puestos de comida.

The fairgrounds are huge and have many food stalls.

Está prohibido fumar en todo el recinto hospitalario.

Smoking is prohibited throughout the hospital grounds.

El concierto se trasladó a un recinto cubierto por la lluvia.

The concert was moved to an indoor venue because of the rain.

Recinto is Masculine

Even though it doesn't refer to a person, it always uses masculine markers: 'el recinto' or 'un recinto'.

Using 'en' vs 'al'

Use 'en el recinto' to say you are inside it, and 'al recinto' when you are moving toward or entering it.

Recinto vs. Habitación

Mistake:Using 'recinto' to describe a small bedroom.

Correction: Use 'habitación' for rooms in a house. 'Recinto' implies a larger, usually gated or walled-off complex or venue.

False Friend Alert

Mistake:Confusing 'recinto' with 'receta'.

Correction: A 'receta' is a food recipe or a doctor's prescription. A 'recinto' is a physical place.

Police vs. Place

The most common mistake is using 'recinto' when you mean a police station. Remember that 'comisaría' specifically refers to a police office or district, while 'recinto' is a general term for any defined area or venue.

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