Spanish word

país

Pronunciation

IPA/paˈis/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncountry

Example

¿De qué país eres?

What country are you from?

Illustration for país (country)

More examples

¿En qué país vives ahora?

Which country do you live in now?

Core concept

A nation's land together with its people and governing authority.

Common phrases

  • país de origen

    country of origin

  • país vecino

    neighboring country

  • país de residencia

    country of residence

Similar words

estado: Territorial entity that has its own government and legal system.
nación: Community of people sharing a common language, culture, or historical identity.
región: Broad area defined by shared geography or administrative boundaries.

Definition in Spanish

Entidad política y social formada por un territorio determinado, su población y su gobierno.

Word origin

The form país derives from medieval French pais and ultimately from Latin pagus 'rural district', reflecting a historical shift from local district to the idea of a polity.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish país is the neutral, common word for 'country', while nación is more formal or used for political or historical senses.

Other meanings

  • landnoun

Related words

  • paisanocompatriotnoun
  • paisajelandscapenoun

Word lists with this word