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vecino means neighbor — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 14, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

vecino

noun • /[be-SEE-no]/

neighbor

Example:

El vecino es muy amable.

The neighbor is very kind.

🧠 What does vecino mean?

The noun 'vecino' refers to a person who lives in the same neighborhood, on the same street, or in the same building as another person. It has a feminine form, 'vecina', used for a female neighbor. In plural, 'vecinos' can refer to a group of male neighbors, a mixed-gender group, or neighbors in general, while 'vecinas' refers exclusively to a group of female neighbors. 'Vecino' can also be used as an adjective to mean 'neighboring' or 'nearby', as in 'el pueblo vecino' (the neighboring town).

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi vecino del quinto piso es un poco ruidoso.
    My neighbor on the fifth floor is a bit noisy.
  • Hablé con la vecina nueva sobre las normas de la comunidad.
    I spoke with the new neighbor (female) about the community rules.
  • Los vecinos organizaron una fiesta en el patio del edificio.
    The neighbors organized a party in the building's courtyard.
  • La farmacia está en la calle vecina.
    The pharmacy is on the neighboring street.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'vecino' comes from the Latin 'vicīnus', which itself derives from 'vicus', meaning 'village' or 'neighborhood'. This shared root connects 'vecino' to the English word 'vicinity', highlighting the concept of nearness and community.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "vecino"

Synonyms: residente, habitante, convecino, morador
Opposites: extraño, desconocido, forastero

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'neighbor' in Spanish?
The word for a male neighbor is 'vecino'. For a female neighbor, it is 'vecina'. The general plural form is 'vecinos'.
How do you pronounce 'vecino' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is beh-SEE-noh. The 'c' is pronounced like an 's' in Latin America or a 'th' sound in most of Spain.
How do you use 'vecino' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'Mi vecino siempre me saluda por la mañana.' (My neighbor always greets me in the morning.)
What is the English translation of 'vecino'?
The English translation of 'vecino' is 'neighbor'.
Does 'vecino' change for gender or number?
Yes, it does. The forms are: 'vecino' (masculine singular), 'vecina' (feminine singular), 'vecinos' (masculine/mixed plural), and 'vecinas' (feminine plural).
Is 'vecino' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'vecino' is a very common and fundamental word used in daily conversations across all Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'vecino' have slang or double meanings?
Generally, 'vecino' does not have common slang meanings. In a more formal or historical context, it can refer to a 'resident' or 'citizen' of a town or municipality ('los vecinos de Madrid'), but its primary meaning is 'neighbor'.
Is 'vecino' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'vecino' and its forms are used consistently throughout Spain and Latin America with the same meaning.

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