Part of Speech

The word "ciudad" is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

The phonetic transcription of "ciudad" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /sjuˈðad/.

Translation Options into English

The primary translation of "ciudad" is "city." It can also refer to a "town" in specific contexts depending on the size and implications of the settlement being described.

Meaning and Usage

The word "ciudad" refers to a large and permanent human settlement, typically characterized by infrastructure and high population density. In the Spanish language, it is used to describe various types of urban areas, from small towns to large metropolitan areas.

• Frequency of Use: The term "ciudad" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, often appearing in discussions about geography, urban studies, travel, and demographics.
• Context: It is frequently used in both formal and informal registers.

Example Sentences

1. La ciudad de Barcelona es famosa por su arquitectura.
   Translation: The city of Barcelona is famous for its architecture.

2. Quiero visitar una ciudad diferente cada año.
   Translation: I want to visit a different city each year.

3. La ciudad está llena de vida y cultura.
   Translation: The city is full of life and culture.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "ciudad" appears in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish:

1. Ciudad de los sueños
   Meaning: A city that represents one's dreams or aspirations.
   Ejemplo: Nueva York es conocida como la ciudad de los sueños para muchos artistas.
   Translation: New York is known as the city of dreams for many artists.

2. La ciudad que nunca duerme
   Meaning: Referring to a vibrant city that is constantly active.
   Ejemplo: Nueva York es considerada la ciudad que nunca duerme.
   Translation: New York is considered the city that never sleeps.

3. Hacer ciudad
   Meaning: To create or develop a community or urban area.
   Ejemplo: Es importante hacer ciudad para que más personas se sientan integradas.
   Translation: It's important to create community so that more people feel integrated.

4. Mil ciudades
   Meaning: Referring to the many aspects or faces of a city.
   Ejemplo: Cada vez que visito, descubro mil ciudades dentro de una sola.
   Translation: Every time I visit, I discover a thousand cities within one.

Etymology

The word "ciudad" comes from the Latin "civitas," which means "citizenship" or "city." The transition from "civitas" to "ciudad" reflects the evolution of language as it adapted to the phonetic and grammatical norms of the Spanish language.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• urbe (urban area)
• metrópoli (metropolis)

• localidad (locality)

• Antonyms:

• campo (countryside)
• aldea (village)
• pueblito (small town)

This comprehensive overview captures the primary aspects of the word "ciudad" in the Spanish language, detailing its usage, meanings, and cultural significance.