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ciudad means city — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 25, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

ciudad

noun • /[see-YOO-dad]/

city

Example:

Visité la ciudad ayer.

I visited the city yesterday.

🧠 What does ciudad mean?

While 'ciudad' typically means 'city' in standard Spanish, in Mexican slang, especially among younger generations, it can sometimes be used ironically or humorously to refer to a small town, village, or even a neighborhood, emphasizing its perceived lack of urban excitement or sophistication. Think of it like calling a small town a "big city" sarcastically in English.

📚 Extra examples

  • Fuimos a la 'ciudad' de mi abuela. Solo tiene una tienda y una iglesia.
    We went to my grandma's 'city.' It only has one store and a church.
  • ¡Llegamos a la ciudad! (refiriéndose a un pueblo pequeño)
    We've arrived in the city! (referring to a small town)
  • No hay mucho que hacer en esta ciudad.
    There's not much to do in this city (said ironically about a small, quiet place).

💡 Did You Know?

The largest 'ciudad' in the Spanish-speaking world is Mexico City!

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ciudad"

Synonyms: urbe, metrópoli
Opposites: campo, pueblo

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'city' in Spanish?
The standard Spanish word for 'city' is 'ciudad'.
How do you pronounce 'ciudad' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'see-oo-DAHD,' with the emphasis on the last syllable.
How do you use 'ciudad' in a sentence?
Vivo en una ciudad grande. (I live in a big city.) In the slang usage, you might hear something like: Visitamos la 'ciudad' de Juan Pérez. (We visited Juan Perez's 'city,' implying it's a small town).
What is the English translation of 'ciudad'?
The English translation of 'ciudad' is 'city'.
Does 'ciudad' change for gender or number?
No, 'ciudad' remains the same regardless of gender. The plural is 'ciudades' (cities).
Is 'ciudad' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'ciudad' is very common in everyday Spanish. The slang usage is less common but you might encounter it in informal Mexican conversation.
Does 'ciudad' have slang or double meanings?
As mentioned, in Mexican slang, 'ciudad' can be used ironically to refer to a small, unimpressive place.
Is 'ciudad' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The standard meaning of 'ciudad' (city) is the same across Spanish-speaking countries. The slang usage we discussed is more common in Mexico.

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