Paises (en. Countries)

/ˈpa.ises/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A group of people who inhabit a specific territory and share a culture, tradition, and government.
European countries are part of the European Union.
Los paises europeos forman parte de la Unión Europea.
A defined territory that has its own cultural and political characteristics.
There are many countries with different languages and customs.
Hay muchos paises con diferentes lenguas y costumbres.
A political entity that exercises government over a territory.
Developing countries need more international support.
Los paises en desarrollo necesitan más apoyo internacional.

Etymology

From Latin 'pagus', which means region or district.

Common Phrases and Expressions

developing countries
Nations that are experiencing economic and social growth.
paises en vías de desarrollo
neighboring countries
Nations that share a border or are geographically close.
paises vecinos
first world countries
Nations with a high level of economic development and quality of life.
paises del primer mundo

Related Words

nation
A set of people who have a common identity and a territory.
nación
government
An organization that exercises political control over a country or nation.
gobierno
culture
A set of customs, traditions, and ways of life that characterize a human group.
cultura

Slang Meanings

World
At this party, there are people from many countries; it's like a world of cultures.
En esta fiesta hay gente de muchos paises, es como un mundo de culturas.
Nation
That player is from countries; I saw him play in the World Cup!
Ese jugador es de paises, ¡lo vi jugar en el Mundial!