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colectivo means collective — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 27, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

colectivo

adjective • /[koh-lek-TEE-boh]/

collective

Example:

El esfuerzo colectivo fue clave en el proyecto.

The collective effort was key to the project.

🧠 What does colectivo mean?

The Spanish word 'colectivo' means 'collective' in English. It describes something shared or done by a group of people, rather than individuals. It can refer to a group's combined actions, thoughts, or feelings. It can also be used to describe things like public transport, particularly in Latin America, where 'colectivo' refers to a shared taxi or minibus.

📚 Extra examples

  • El esfuerzo colectivo llevó al éxito del proyecto.
    The collective effort led to the project's success.
  • La memoria colectiva es importante para la identidad de un pueblo.
    Collective memory is important for a people's identity.
  • Tomé el colectivo para ir al centro.
    I took the colectivo (shared taxi/minibus) to go downtown.
  • La responsabilidad colectiva es crucial para el cambio social.
    Collective responsibility is crucial for social change.
  • El inconsciente colectivo, según Jung, contiene arquetipos universales.
    The collective unconscious, according to Jung, contains universal archetypes.

💡 Did You Know?

In several Latin American countries, 'colectivo' commonly refers to a type of shared public transport, like a minibus or shared taxi. They are often decorated and personalized, making them a unique part of the local culture.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "colectivo"

Synonyms: común, conjunto, grupal, compartido
Opposites: individual, personal, privado

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'collective' in Spanish?
The word for 'collective' in Spanish is 'colectivo'.
How do you pronounce 'colectivo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced koh-lek-TEE-voh, with the stress on the 'tee'.
How do you use 'colectivo' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'El trabajo colectivo fue esencial.' (The collective work was essential.) or 'Tomamos un colectivo hasta la playa.' (We took a colectivo to the beach.).
What is the English translation of 'colectivo'?
'Colectivo' translates to 'collective' in English.
Does 'colectivo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'colectivo' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'el trabajo colectivo' (masculine singular), 'la responsabilidad colectiva' (feminine singular), 'los esfuerzos colectivos' (masculine plural), and 'las decisiones colectivas' (feminine plural).
Is 'colectivo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it's moderately common, especially in formal contexts and when discussing group efforts. Its use as public transport is very common in Latin America.
Does 'colectivo' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. Its primary meaning is consistently related to the idea of 'collective.' However, in some Latin American countries, it's common slang for a shared taxi or minibus.
Is 'colectivo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the core meaning remains the same, 'colectivo' is much more frequently used in Latin America to refer to a type of shared public transport, similar to a minibus or shared taxi. This usage isn't as common in Spain.

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