Spanish word

poli

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpoli/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)cop

Example

Vi a un poli en la estación esta mañana.

I saw a cop at the station this morning.

Illustration for poli (cop)

More examples

Hablo con un poli cuando tengo dudas.

I talk to a cop when I have doubts.

Core concept

A lone city police officer standing beside a patrol car with a radio.

Common phrases

  • hablar con un poli

    talk to a cop

  • pedir ayuda a un poli

    ask a cop for help

  • hacerle una pregunta a un poli

    ask a cop a question

Similar words

policía: Professional, uniformed police officer who enforces laws and maintains public order.
agente: Police officer who carries out specific duties such as investigations, arrests, and enforcement.
policía municipal: Municipal police officer responsible for city security, local patrols, and traffic control.
guardia civil: National corps member in Spain who handles rural security, road safety, and border duties.

Definition in Spanish

Forma abreviada de policía que se usa para referirse a un agente en el habla informal.

Word origin

Poli is the informal shortened form of policía, and policía comes from Greek politeía via Latin and Old French where the root meant public order.

Usage tips

  • English speakers sometimes use poli as slang for politician, but in Spanish poli refers colloquially to a police officer.

Other meanings

  • policenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word