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How to Say "rural" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rural

roo-RAHLruˈɾal

adjectiveA2general
Use 'rural' when you need a general term for anything related to the countryside, its characteristics, or its population, without specific reference to farming or a rustic lifestyle.
A peaceful countryside scene with a small barn, a rolling green hill, and a wooden fence.

Examples

Mucha gente prefiere la tranquilidad de la vida rural.

Many people prefer the peace of country life.

El turismo rural ha crecido mucho en esta región.

Rural tourism has grown a lot in this region.

El gobierno quiere mejorar las escuelas en el medio rural.

The government wants to improve schools in rural areas.

One form for everyone

This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use it with 'masculine' words like 'el pueblo rural' or 'feminine' words like 'la casa rural' without changing the ending.

Making it plural

To talk about more than one thing, just add '-es' to the end: 'las zonas rurales' or 'los caminos rurales'.

Don't add an 'a' at the end

Mistake: “La zona rurala.”

Correction: La zona rural. Since it ends in 'l', it stays the same for both men and women words.

campesino

kam-peh-SEE-nohkam.peˈsi.no

adjectiveB1general
Use 'campesino' when referring to things specifically associated with farmers, agriculture, or the traditional lifestyle and culture of the countryside.
A rolling green landscape with a small cottage, a wooden fence, and distant hills.

Examples

Me gusta mucho la música campesina.

I really like country/folk music.

Lleva una vida muy campesina y sencilla.

He leads a very rural and simple life.

Comimos un guiso campesino delicioso.

We ate a delicious rustic stew.

Matching the Noun

This word must match what it describes. Use 'campesino' for masculine words (el aire campesino) and 'campesina' for feminine words (la comida campesina).

Confusing with 'el campo'

Mistake: “Saying 'la vida campo' instead of 'la vida campesina'.”

Correction: Use the adjective 'campesina' to describe the type of life, not the noun for 'field'.

General vs. Specific Context

Learners often mistakenly use 'campesino' for any mention of the countryside. Remember that 'rural' is the broader term. Use 'campesino' only when the context specifically involves farming, agriculture, or the people and traditions directly tied to these activities.

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