At the A1 level, the word 'policía' is introduced as essential survival vocabulary. Beginners learn this word primarily to understand basic community roles and to know how to ask for help in an emergency. At this stage, the focus is on simple identification and very basic sentence structures. You learn that 'la policía' means the police force, and you memorize the critical phrase 'Llama a la policía' (Call the police). You also learn to identify a police officer using the verb 'ser', as in 'Él es policía' (He is a police officer) or 'Ella es policía' (She is a police officer). The grammatical complexity is kept to a minimum; the primary goal is recognition and immediate practical use. Teachers emphasize the pronunciation, ensuring the accent falls correctly on the 'í' (po-li-CÍ-a). You might practice basic dialogues where you ask for directions, such as '¿Dónde está la policía?' (Where are the police / police station?). Even at this early stage, the distinction between 'el policía' (the male officer) and 'la policía' (the female officer or the institution) is introduced, though mastery is not expected. The vocabulary surrounding 'policía' at A1 includes simple related words like 'coche' (car), 'uniforme' (uniform), and 'ayuda' (help). By the end of A1, a student should feel confident recognizing the word in written and spoken form and using it to express a basic need for security or assistance in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Moving into the A2 level, the usage of 'policía' expands from simple identification to describing past events and daily routines. Students begin to use 'policía' in conjunction with the preterite and imperfect tenses to tell simple stories or report incidents. For example, a student might say, 'Ayer, la policía llegó a mi calle' (Yesterday, the police arrived at my street) or 'El policía llevaba un uniforme azul' (The police officer was wearing a blue uniform). At this level, learners are expected to handle the gender and number agreement more accurately. They practice using plural forms like 'los policías' and matching them with appropriate adjectives, such as 'los policías rápidos' (the fast police officers). The vocabulary network grows to include words like 'ladrón' (thief), 'robar' (to steal), 'comisaría' (police station), and 'multa' (fine). Students engage in role-play exercises where they simulate reporting a minor crime, such as a stolen wallet, to an officer. They learn to use the personal 'a' correctly, as in 'Vi a la policía' (I saw the police). The cultural context is also slightly broadened; students might learn that different countries have different names for their police forces, though 'policía' remains the universally understood term. The goal at A2 is to integrate 'policía' into narrative contexts, allowing learners to describe what the police do, where they are, and how they interact with the public in everyday scenarios.
At the B1 level, learners transition from basic descriptions to expressing opinions, discussing societal issues, and handling more complex interactions involving 'la policía'. The vocabulary becomes more specialized and abstract. Students learn terms like 'seguridad ciudadana' (public safety), 'investigación' (investigation), 'sospechoso' (suspect), and 'testigo' (witness). They can read and understand short news articles about police operations or crime reports. In conversation, a B1 student can express hypothetical situations using the conditional tense, such as 'Si viera un robo, llamaría a la policía' (If I saw a robbery, I would call the police). They also begin to use the subjunctive mood to express doubts or desires related to law enforcement: 'Espero que la policía encuentre mi coche' (I hope the police find my car). The distinction between the institution ('la policía') and the individual officers ('los policías') becomes crucial for clear communication. Students practice giving detailed descriptions of suspects to the police in role-play scenarios, utilizing a wide range of adjectives for physical appearance and clothing. Furthermore, B1 learners start to discuss the role of the police in society, expressing basic opinions on safety in their neighborhoods or comparing the police presence in their home country to that in a Spanish-speaking country. The focus shifts from merely surviving an emergency to actively participating in discussions about law, order, and civic life.
At the B2 level, the discourse surrounding 'policía' becomes significantly more sophisticated, analytical, and nuanced. Learners are expected to comprehend and produce complex texts, such as detailed news reports, opinion pieces, and debates regarding law enforcement. The vocabulary expands to include legal and administrative terminology, such as 'orden de cateo' (search warrant), 'presunción de inocencia' (presumption of innocence), 'abuso de poder' (abuse of power), and 'fuerzas del orden' (law enforcement forces). A B2 student can engage in extended debates about the effectiveness of police strategies, the balance between security and civil liberties, and the social impact of policing. They use advanced grammatical structures, including the past subjunctive and conditional perfect, to discuss hypothetical past events: 'Si la policía hubiera llegado antes, habrían atrapado al ladrón' (If the police had arrived earlier, they would have caught the thief). At this level, learners are highly aware of the register and tone; they know when to use formal terms like 'agente de la autoridad' versus colloquial terms. They also delve into the cultural and historical context of police forces in specific Spanish-speaking countries, understanding the difference between entities like the 'Policía Nacional' and the 'Guardia Civil' in Spain, or the 'Policía Federal' in Mexico. The ability to understand idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs related to police work is also developed, allowing for a near-native flow in conversations about crime, justice, and society.
At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-fluent command of the language, and their use of the word 'policía' reflects this deep proficiency. They can navigate highly complex, abstract, and specialized discussions regarding law enforcement, criminology, and jurisprudence. A C1 user can read academic papers, legal documents, and literary works where the police play a central thematic role. They are comfortable discussing systemic issues, such as 'corrupción policial' (police corruption), 'reforma policial' (police reform), and 'jurisdicción' (jurisdiction), using precise and sophisticated vocabulary. They can effortlessly switch between referring to the institution as a monolithic entity and discussing the psychological or sociological aspects of individual officers. In terms of grammar, C1 learners flawlessly execute complex sentence structures, utilizing passive voice ('El sospechoso fue detenido por la policía' - The suspect was detained by the police) and impersonal 'se' constructions ('Se avisó a la policía inmediatamente' - The police were notified immediately) to create formal, objective narratives. They are also adept at understanding and using regional slang and colloquialisms from various Spanish-speaking countries, recognizing terms like 'pacos' (Chile), 'tombos' (Colombia), or 'maderos' (Spain) depending on the context. At this level, the learner can write persuasive essays or deliver formal presentations critiquing or defending police actions, demonstrating a profound understanding of the cultural, political, and historical nuances that shape the concept of 'policía' in the Hispanic world.
At the C2 level, the mastery of the word 'policía' and its entire semantic field is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner grasps the absolute subtleties, historical evolution, and profound socio-political implications of law enforcement terminology across the entire Spanish-speaking diaspora. A C2 user can analyze classic and contemporary Hispanic literature, such as the detective novels of Leonardo Padura or the crime fiction of Roberto Bolaño, deconstructing how the 'policía' is portrayed as a reflection of societal decay, authoritarianism, or justice. They can engage in high-level academic discourse, debating the philosophical underpinnings of the state's monopoly on violence and the role of the police within that framework. The vocabulary at their disposal is exhaustive, encompassing archaic terms, highly specialized legal jargon, and the most current street slang. They understand the etymological roots of the word (from Latin 'politia' and Greek 'politeia', relating to citizenship and government) and how this history informs modern usage. Grammatically, there are no barriers; they use the word flawlessly in the most complex, multi-clause sentences, employing subtle shifts in mood and tense to convey irony, skepticism, or authoritative assertion. At C2, 'policía' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to explore and articulate the deepest complexities of law, order, power, and human rights within the Spanish-speaking cultural landscape.

policía 30秒了解

  • Means 'police' or 'police officer'.
  • Gender is shown by the article (el/la).
  • Never ends in '-o' (no 'policío').
  • Use 'a la' when calling them.
The Spanish word 'policía' is a fascinating and multifaceted noun that serves multiple purposes in everyday communication, legal contexts, and societal structures. At its core, 'policía' translates to 'police' or 'police officer' in English, but its usage is far more nuanced than its English counterpart due to the grammatical rules of gender and number in Spanish. Understanding 'policía' requires a deep dive into how the Spanish language handles nouns that end in '-a' but can refer to both male and female individuals, as well as collective institutions. When you use the word 'policía', you must pay strict attention to the article that precedes it, as this small word completely changes the meaning of the noun.
La policía (Institution)
When preceded by the feminine singular article 'la', it most commonly refers to the police force as a whole, the institution, or the collective body of law enforcement officers.
For example, if you say 'Llama a la policía', you are saying 'Call the police (force)'. This is the most common usage when someone is in trouble or reporting a crime.

El ciudadano asustado decidió llamar a la policía.

However, 'la policía' can also refer to a single female police officer. Context is key here. If you say 'La policía me pidió mi licencia', it means 'The (female) police officer asked for my license'. On the other hand, when you use the masculine singular article 'el', as in 'el policía', you are specifically referring to a single male police officer.
El policía (Male Officer)
Refers exclusively to a male individual who works in law enforcement.

El policía de tráfico detuvo el coche rojo.

This dual nature of the word makes it an epicene noun in terms of its ending, meaning the ending '-a' does not change to '-o' for a male officer. You will never hear the word 'policío'; it simply does not exist in the Spanish language. This is a common stumbling block for beginners who are taught that '-o' is masculine and '-a' is feminine. Beyond the basic definitions, the word 'policía' carries significant cultural and societal weight. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the police force is divided into various branches, such as 'policía nacional', 'policía local', 'policía municipal', and 'policía federal'. Each of these branches has distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities.
Policía Nacional
A state-level police force operating across the entire country, handling major crimes and national security.

La policía nacional investiga el robo al banco.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone living in or visiting a Spanish-speaking country, as you need to know which type of 'policía' to approach depending on your situation. For instance, a minor traffic accident might be handled by the 'policía local', while a serious crime would involve the 'policía nacional'.

Pregúntale a ese policía por direcciones.

Furthermore, the plural forms also follow strict rules. 'Los policías' refers to a group of male officers or a mixed group of male and female officers, following the standard Spanish rule of masculine plurals encompassing mixed groups. 'Las policías' would refer exclusively to a group of female police officers.

Los policías patrullan el barrio todas las noches.

In summary, 'policía' is a versatile word that requires careful attention to articles and context to convey the precise meaning intended, whether it be the institution, a male officer, or a female officer.
Using the word 'policía' correctly in Spanish requires a solid grasp of articles, adjectives, and verbs that commonly collocate with it. Because the word itself does not change its form to indicate gender, the surrounding words must do all the heavy lifting. Let us explore the grammatical mechanics and practical applications of this essential vocabulary word in extensive detail. First and foremost, you must master the definite and indefinite articles.
Definite Articles
El policía (the male officer), La policía (the female officer OR the police force), Los policías (the male/mixed officers), Las policías (the female officers).

El policía me ayudó a cruzar la calle.

When using adjectives to describe a police officer, the adjective must agree in gender and number with the article, not the '-a' ending of the word 'policía'. This is a very common area where learners make mistakes. For example, if you want to say 'the brave male police officer', you must say 'el policía valiente' or 'el policía bueno'. If you say 'el policía buena', it is grammatically incorrect because 'buena' is feminine while 'el' indicates a masculine subject.
Indefinite Articles
Un policía (a male officer), Una policía (a female officer), Unos policías (some male/mixed officers), Unas policías (some female officers).

Vi a un policía corriendo por el parque.

In terms of verbs, 'policía' is frequently the subject of action verbs related to law enforcement. Common verbs include 'patrullar' (to patrol), 'arrestar' (to arrest), 'investigar' (to investigate), 'proteger' (to protect), and 'detener' (to stop/detain).

La policía arrestó al ladrón anoche.

When you are the one interacting with the police, the verbs change. You might 'llamar a la policía' (call the police), 'denunciar a la policía' (report to the police), or 'hablar con la policía' (speak with the police). Notice the use of the personal 'a' in 'llamar a la policía' and 'denunciar a la policía'. Even when referring to the institution, the personal 'a' is often used because the institution is made up of people and is personified in these actions.
Ser vs Estar
Use 'ser' to indicate profession: 'Él es policía'. Do not use the indefinite article 'un' unless adding an adjective: 'Él es un buen policía'.

Mi hermano quiere ser policía cuando sea mayor.

It is also important to note the use of prepositions. You go 'a la comisaría de policía' (to the police station). You might be 'interrogado por la policía' (questioned by the police). The versatility of this word means it will appear in almost every tense and mood, from the imperative '¡Llame a la policía!' (Call the police!) to the subjunctive 'Dudo que la policía llegue a tiempo' (I doubt the police will arrive on time).

Es necesario que la policía mantenga el orden.

By mastering these grammatical structures, you will be able to use 'policía' confidently and accurately in any situation.
The word 'policía' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, echoing through various facets of daily life, media, literature, and official discourse. Its presence is a constant reminder of the societal structures that maintain order and security. To truly master this vocabulary word, one must understand the diverse contexts in which it is naturally employed.
News and Media
In journalism, 'la policía' is one of the most frequently used terms. News anchors and reporters constantly provide updates on police activities, investigations, and press conferences.

Según las noticias, la policía ha desarticulado una banda criminal.

You will hear phrases like 'fuentes de la policía' (police sources), 'operativo policial' (police operation), and 'intervención de la policía' (police intervention). In these contexts, the word is almost always used in its institutional sense, referring to the collective force rather than individual officers.
Movies and Television
The crime and thriller genres are massive in Spanish-language entertainment. Shows like 'La Casa de Papel' (Money Heist) heavily feature the police.

¡Alto, policía! Tire el arma al suelo.

In dramatic dialogue, you will often hear characters shouting '¡Llama a la policía!' or '¡Viene la policía!'. Here, the word carries a sense of urgency and tension. You will also hear the plural form 'los policías' when characters refer to the officers pursuing them.

Los policías rodearon el edificio en minutos.

Everyday Emergencies
In real life, knowing how to use this word can be a matter of safety. If you witness a crime, are involved in an accident, or need immediate assistance, 'policía' is the critical keyword.

Por favor, necesito a la policía, me han robado.

You might also hear it in more mundane contexts, such as asking for directions: '¿Sabe dónde hay un policía?' (Do you know where there is a police officer?). Finally, the word appears in official documents, traffic tickets (multas), and legal proceedings. A 'comisaría de policía' is the physical station where you would go to file a report (hacer una denuncia). Understanding these diverse contexts ensures that you are not just memorizing a translation, but truly comprehending how the word functions within the living ecosystem of the Spanish language.

Fui a la comisaría de policía para renovar mi pasaporte.

Whether you are reading a newspaper in Madrid, watching a telenovela from Mexico, or asking for help in Buenos Aires, 'policía' is a word you will encounter constantly.
When learning the word 'policía', students frequently encounter several linguistic traps that can lead to confusion or grammatical errors. Because Spanish relies heavily on gender agreement and specific article usage, 'policía' presents a unique challenge due to its invariable '-a' ending. Let us explore the most common mistakes learners make and how to avoid them through detailed analysis and examples.
Mistake 1: Inventing 'El Policío'
The most glaring error beginners make is assuming that because a male officer is masculine, the word must end in '-o'. They incorrectly say 'el policío'.

Incorrecto: El policío es alto. Correcto: El policía es alto.

This mistake stems from over-applying the general rule that nouns ending in '-o' are masculine and '-a' are feminine. 'Policía' is an exception; it is an epicene noun where the gender is determined solely by the article.
Mistake 2: Adjective Disagreement
Another frequent error is matching the adjective to the '-a' ending of 'policía' instead of the gender of the person being described.

Incorrecto: El policía es simpática. Correcto: El policía es simpático.

If you are talking about a male officer ('el policía'), any adjectives modifying him must be masculine ('bueno', 'alto', 'estricto'). If you say 'el policía buena', you are mixing masculine and feminine forms, which sounds very unnatural to native speakers.

La policía (mujer) es muy estricta con las reglas.

Mistake 3: Confusing 'Policía' with 'Política'
Due to phonetic similarities, learners sometimes confuse 'policía' (police) with 'política' (politics or policy).

No me gusta hablar de política con la policía.

While both words relate to government and society, their meanings are entirely distinct. A 'político' is a politician, while a 'policía' is a police officer. Mixing these up can lead to highly confusing sentences. Finally, a common mistake is omitting the personal 'a' when 'la policía' is the direct object of a verb. Because the police force is an institution made up of people, Spanish requires the personal 'a' when you call, see, or look for them. Saying 'Llamo la policía' is incorrect; it must be 'Llamo a la policía'.

Siempre debes respetar a la policía.

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can refine your Spanish and use 'policía' with the precision of a native speaker.
The Spanish language is rich with synonyms and related terms for 'policía', reflecting the complex hierarchy and regional variations of law enforcement across the Hispanic world. While 'policía' is the most universal and commonly understood term, expanding your vocabulary to include similar words will greatly enhance your comprehension, especially when reading literature, watching regional films, or navigating different Spanish-speaking countries. Let us explore these alternatives in depth.
Agente
Often used as a more formal or respectful synonym for a police officer. It is short for 'agente de policía'.

El agente de policía me pidió los documentos del vehículo.

'Agente' is excellent because it avoids the gender confusion of 'policía'; you can say 'el agente' or 'la agente'. It sounds professional and is frequently used in official reports and news broadcasts.
Oficial
This translates directly to 'officer'. It implies a rank or a formal position within the police force or military.

El oficial a cargo de la policía dio una rueda de prensa.

While 'policía' can refer to the institution or the person, 'oficial' strictly refers to the person holding the rank. It is heavily used in Latin America, particularly in countries influenced by American English terminology.
Guardia
Meaning 'guard', this term is often used in specific contexts, such as 'Guardia Civil' in Spain, which is a specific military-status police force.

La Guardia Civil trabaja junto a la policía nacional en España.

In other contexts, 'guardia' might refer to a security guard ('guardia de seguridad') rather than a sworn police officer, so context is important. Beyond formal terms, there is a vast array of regional slang for 'policía'. In Spain, you might hear 'los maderos' (referring historically to the color of their uniforms or batons). In Mexico, 'la chota' or 'los tamarindos' (specifically traffic police due to their old uniform color) are common colloquialisms. In Colombia, 'el tombo' is widely used in street slang.

En la jerga callejera, a veces no dicen policía, dicen 'tombo'.

In Chile, the national police force is called 'Carabineros', and they are rarely referred to simply as 'policía'. They are affectionately or colloquially called 'pacos'.

En Chile, los Carabineros cumplen la función de la policía.

Understanding these synonyms and regional slang terms not only enriches your vocabulary but also provides deep cultural insights into how different Spanish-speaking societies view and interact with law enforcement.

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

Epicene nouns (sustantivos epicenos)

The personal 'a' (la 'a' personal)

Collective nouns and verb agreement

Adjective agreement with invariable nouns

Use of definite articles with institutions

按水平分级的例句

1

Llama a la policía, por favor.

Call the police, please.

Uses the imperative 'llama' and the feminine article 'la' for the institution.

2

Él es un policía.

He is a police officer.

Uses 'un' because it refers to a specific male individual.

3

La policía está aquí.

The police are here.

'La policía' takes a singular verb 'está'.

4

¿Dónde está la policía?

Where are the police?

Question structure using 'dónde' and the verb 'estar'.

5

El coche de policía es azul.

The police car is blue.

Uses 'de policía' as an adjectival phrase to describe the car.

6

Ella es policía.

She is a police officer.

Omits the article when stating profession with 'ser'.

7

Veo a un policía.

I see a police officer.

Requires the personal 'a' before 'un policía'.

8

La policía ayuda a la gente.

The police help people.

Simple present tense 'ayuda' with the collective noun.

1

Ayer, la policía llegó muy rápido.

Yesterday, the police arrived very fast.

Uses the preterite tense 'llegó' for a completed past action.

2

Los policías llevaban uniformes oscuros.

The police officers were wearing dark uniforms.

Uses the imperfect tense 'llevaban' for description in the past.

3

Fui a la comisaría de policía para denunciar el robo.

I went to the police station to report the robbery.

Introduces related vocabulary 'comisaría' and 'denunciar'.

4

El policía me pidió mi pasaporte.

The police officer asked for my passport.

Uses indirect object pronoun 'me' with the verb 'pidió'.

5

Hay muchos policías en el centro hoy.

There are many police officers downtown today.

Uses 'hay' (there are) with the plural 'policías'.

6

La policía atrapó al ladrón en la calle.

The police caught the thief in the street.

Preterite tense 'atrapó' and personal 'a' combined with 'el' (al).

7

Hablé con una policía muy amable.

I spoke with a very kind female police officer.

Adjective 'amable' agrees with the feminine 'una policía'.

8

La policía cerró la carretera por el accidente.

The police closed the road because of the accident.

Uses 'por' to indicate cause or reason.

1

Si ves algo sospechoso, deberías llamar a la policía.

If you see something suspicious, you should call the police.

First conditional sentence with 'si' and conditional 'deberías'.

2

La policía está investigando las causas del incendio.

The police are investigating the causes of the fire.

Present progressive tense 'está investigando'.

3

Es importante que la policía proteja a los ciudadanos.

It is important that the police protect the citizens.

Uses the present subjunctive 'proteja' after 'es importante que'.

4

Los testigos dieron su declaración a la policía.

The witnesses gave their statement to the police.

Vocabulary expansion: 'testigos' (witnesses) and 'declaración' (statement).

5

La policía de tráfico me puso una multa por exceso de velocidad.

The traffic police gave me a ticket for speeding.

Specific branch 'policía de tráfico' and idiom 'poner una multa'.

6

Aunque la policía buscó por todas partes, no encontraron el arma.

Although the police searched everywhere, they didn't find the weapon.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' and preterite verbs.

7

El jefe de policía anunció nuevas medidas de seguridad.

The police chief announced new security measures.

Introduces the title 'jefe de policía'.

8

Me sentí aliviado cuando vi llegar a la policía.

I felt relieved when I saw the police arrive.

Infinitive 'llegar' used after the verb of perception 'vi'.

1

La intervención de la policía fue crucial para evitar una tragedia mayor.

The police intervention was crucial to avoid a greater tragedy.

Formal noun phrase 'intervención de la policía'.

2

Se acusa a varios policías de abuso de autoridad.

Several police officers are accused of abuse of authority.

Impersonal 'se' construction for passive meaning.

3

Si la policía hubiera actuado con más rapidez, el resultado habría sido diferente.

If the police had acted more quickly, the result would have been different.

Third conditional using past perfect subjunctive and conditional perfect.

4

El despliegue policial en la manifestación fue masivo.

The police deployment at the protest was massive.

Uses the adjective 'policial' instead of the noun 'policía'.

5

La policía científica recogió pruebas de ADN en la escena del crimen.

The forensic police collected DNA evidence at the crime scene.

Specific terminology: 'policía científica' (forensics).

6

Es dudoso que la policía logre desarticular toda la red criminal este año.

It is doubtful that the police will manage to dismantle the entire criminal network this year.

Subjunctive 'logre' triggered by 'es dudoso que'.

7

Los sindicatos de policía exigen mejores condiciones laborales y salariales.

Police unions are demanding better working and salary conditions.

Advanced vocabulary: 'sindicatos' (unions) and 'exigen' (demand).

8

El sospechoso se entregó a la policía tras horas de negociación.

The suspect surrendered to the police after hours of negotiation.

Reflexive verb 'entregarse' (to surrender oneself).

1

La connivencia entre ciertos sectores políticos y la policía ha socavado la confianza pública.

The collusion between certain political sectors and the police has undermined public trust.

Highly formal vocabulary ('connivencia', 'socavado').

2

El operativo policial se llevó a cabo con un hermetismo absoluto para evitar filtraciones.

The police operation was carried out with absolute secrecy to avoid leaks.

Advanced phrasing 'se llevó a cabo' and 'hermetismo'.

3

Corresponde a la policía judicial la averiguación de los delitos públicos.

It falls to the judicial police to investigate public crimes.

Formal legal register ('Corresponde a', 'averiguación').

4

La brutalidad policial es un estigma que la institución lleva décadas intentando erradicar.

Police brutality is a stigma that the institution has been trying to eradicate for decades.

Complex sentence structure with a relative clause and gerund.

5

A menos que la policía recabe pruebas contundentes, el fiscal desestimará el caso.

Unless the police gather compelling evidence, the prosecutor will dismiss the case.

Subjunctive 'recabe' triggered by 'a menos que'.

6

El comisario fue destituido tras salir a la luz los escándalos de corrupción en la cúpula policial.

The commissioner was dismissed after the corruption scandals in the police leadership came to light.

Passive voice 'fue destituido' and idiom 'salir a la luz'.

7

La jurisdicción de la policía autonómica entra a menudo en conflicto con la de las fuerzas estatales.

The jurisdiction of the regional police often comes into conflict with that of the state forces.

Discussion of complex jurisdictional issues ('autonómica', 'estatales').

8

Se ha instado a la policía a que actúe con la máxima contención durante los disturbios.

The police have been urged to act with maximum restraint during the riots.

Impersonal passive 'Se ha instado' followed by subjunctive 'actúe'.

1

La novela negra contemporánea a menudo retrata a la policía no como un garante del orden, sino como un engranaje más de la maquinaria corrupta del Estado.

Contemporary noir fiction often portrays the police not as a guarantor of order, but as just another cog in the corrupt machinery of the State.

Literary analysis register, complex metaphorical language ('engranaje', 'maquinaria').

2

El monopolio del uso legítimo de la fuerza física por parte de la policía es un pilar fundamental de la teoría del Estado weberiana.

The monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force by the police is a fundamental pillar of Weberian state theory.

Academic/philosophical discourse ('monopolio', 'legítimo', 'weberiana').

3

Huelga decir que la presunción de veracidad de la que gozan los atestados policiales a menudo inclina la balanza judicial.

It goes without saying that the presumption of truthfulness enjoyed by police reports often tips the judicial scales.

Idiomatic expression 'Huelga decir' and highly specialized legal phrasing.

4

La militarización paulatina de la policía civil suscita encendidos debates sobre la erosión de las libertades civiles.

The gradual militarization of the civilian police provokes heated debates about the erosion of civil liberties.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('paulatina', 'suscita', 'encendidos').

5

Por más que la policía se afane en desmentirlo, la percepción de impunidad sigue arraigada en el imaginario colectivo.

No matter how much the police strive to deny it, the perception of impunity remains rooted in the collective imagination.

Concessive structure 'Por más que' + subjunctive 'se afane'.

6

El trasvase de competencias hacia la policía local ha supuesto un galimatías administrativo de proporciones kafkianas.

The transfer of powers to the local police has resulted in an administrative gibberish of Kafkaesque proportions.

Advanced literary and bureaucratic vocabulary ('trasvase', 'galimatías', 'kafkianas').

7

Cualquier injerencia política en las pesquisas de la policía judicial dinamita la separación de poderes.

Any political interference in the investigations of the judicial police destroys the separation of powers.

Strong, precise verbs ('dinamita') and abstract nouns ('injerencia', 'pesquisas').

8

La idiosincrasia de los cuerpos policiales en Hispanoamérica no puede entenderse soslayando el legado de las dictaduras del siglo XX.

The idiosyncrasy of police forces in Latin America cannot be understood by ignoring the legacy of 20th-century dictatorships.

Deep historical/sociological analysis ('idiosincrasia', 'soslayando').

常见搭配

llamar a la policía
comisaría de policía
coche de policía
policía nacional
policía local
agente de policía
presencia policial
jefe de policía
informe de la policía
interrogatorio de la policía

容易混淆的词

policía vs política

policía vs póliza

policía vs policial

容易混淆

policía vs

句型

如何使用

note

While 'la policía' is a collective noun, if you are referring to a group of specific officers standing in front of you, you must use the plural 'los policías' or 'las policías'.

常见错误
  • Saying 'el policío' instead of 'el policía'.
  • Forgetting the personal 'a' (saying 'llamo la policía' instead of 'llamo a la policía').
  • Using plural verbs with the singular institution ('la policía están' instead of 'la policía está').
  • Matching adjectives to the '-a' ending for male officers ('el policía buena' instead of 'el policía bueno').
  • Confusing the word 'policía' with 'política' (politics).

小贴士

The Magic Article

Always remember that the article (el/la) is the boss when it comes to the word 'policía'. It dictates the gender and meaning. Never try to change the '-a' at the end of the word itself.

Use 'Agente' to Be Safe

If you are confused about whether to use 'el policía' or 'la policía' when talking to an officer, just use the word 'agente'. It is professional, respectful, and easy to use.

Hit the 'Í' Hard

The accent mark is not just for decoration. You must stress the 'í' strongly. If you don't, it might sound like a completely different word or just confuse the listener.

Know Your Colors

In Spain, if you need to report a stolen passport in a city, look for the blue uniforms (Policía Nacional). If you are on a highway, look for the green uniforms (Guardia Civil).

Don't Forget the Personal 'A'

When you are looking for, calling, or seeing the police, always put an 'a' before 'la policía'. 'Busco a la policía', 'Llamo a la policía', 'Veo a la policía'.

Policía vs Política

Watch your spelling and pronunciation. 'Policía' (police) has the stress on the 'í'. 'Política' (politics) has the stress on the 'lí' and a 't'. Don't mix them up in conversation!

Singular Verb for the Force

Even though the police force is made up of many people, 'la policía' is a singular noun. Always use a singular verb: 'La policía ESTÁ investigando', not 'La policía ESTÁN investigando'.

Adjective Form

If you want to describe something as being related to the police, use 'policial'. For example, a police record is 'un registro policial', not 'un registro policía'.

Emergency Numbers

Memorize the emergency number of the specific country you are visiting. It is 112 in Spain, 911 in Mexico and Argentina, and 123 in Colombia. Knowing the word 'policía' is useless if you don't know the number!

Adjective Agreement

When describing a male officer, the adjective must be masculine, even though 'policía' ends in '-a'. Say 'el policía alto', never 'el policía alta'.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine a POLIte CIA agent acting as a local police officer. POLI-CIA.

词源

From Latin 'politia', and ultimately from Greek 'politeia' (citizenship, administration, government).

文化背景

The 'Policía Nacional' wear dark blue uniforms, while the 'Guardia Civil' wear green. Knowing the difference is important for knowing who to call.

Slang for police varies wildly: 'pacos' (Chile), 'tombos' (Colombia, Peru), 'yutas' (Argentina), 'chotas' (Mexico).

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que llamar a la policía?"

"¿Crees que hay suficiente presencia de la policía en tu barrio?"

"¿Qué opinas de las novelas policíacas?"

"¿Cuál es el número de la policía en tu país?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que sea policía?"

日记主题

Describe una vez que viste a la policía en acción.

Escribe una pequeña historia sobre un policía que resuelve un misterio.

En tu opinión, ¿cuáles son las cualidades de un buen policía?

¿Cómo es la relación entre los ciudadanos y la policía en tu ciudad?

Imagina que eres el jefe de policía por un día. ¿Qué cambiarías?

常见问题

10 个问题

No, absolutely not. The word 'policío' does not exist in the Spanish language. The word is 'policía' for both men and women. To specify a male officer, you change the article to 'el', making it 'el policía'.

Because the police force is considered an institution made up of people. In Spanish, when a person or a personified group is the direct object of a verb, you must use the 'personal a'. Therefore, it is 'llamar a la policía'.

You also say 'la policía'. The exact same phrase is used for both the institution and a single female officer. You have to rely entirely on the context of the sentence to know which one is meant. For example, 'La policía me dio una multa' usually means the female officer gave me a ticket.

The word 'policía' is singular. When referring to the institution ('la policía'), it takes a singular verb, just like 'the family' or 'the team'. To make it plural (referring to multiple officers), you add an 's': 'los policías' or 'las policías'.

'Policía' is the noun (the police, the police officer). 'Policial' is the adjective describing something related to the police. For example, 'presencia policial' means police presence, and 'novela policial' means a police/detective novel.

Generally, no. It is a common noun and should be lowercase. However, if you are referring to the specific official name of an institution, like 'la Policía Nacional' or 'la Policía Federal', then it is capitalized.

There is no single universal translation for 'cops' because slang varies by country. In Spain, you might say 'los maderos'. In Mexico, 'la chota'. In Chile, 'los pacos'. If you want a neutral, slightly informal term, 'los agentes' works well.

A 'comisaría' or 'comisaría de policía' is the police station or precinct. It is the physical building where police officers work and where citizens go to file reports or complaints.

Technically no, but it is often used in noun adjunct phrases like 'coche de policía' (police car) or 'perro policía' (police dog). The true adjective form is 'policial'.

The accent mark on the 'í' breaks the diphthong that would naturally form between the 'i' and the 'a'. It forces the word to be pronounced with four distinct syllables (po-li-CÍ-a) and places the stress on the 'i'.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Write a sentence telling someone to call the police.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence stating that your brother is a police officer.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence describing the color of a police car.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence saying you went to the police station yesterday.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence explaining why someone might get a fine (multa) from the traffic police.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a conditional sentence: If I see a thief, I will call the police.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using the passive voice about a suspect being arrested by the police.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence describing a massive police deployment at a protest.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a complex sentence discussing the need to eradicate police corruption.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using the term 'cúpula policial' in the context of a scandal.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write an academic sentence analyzing the role of the police in a 'novela negra'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'atestado policial' and 'presunción de veracidad'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Where is the police?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The police officers are very fast.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The police are investigating the fire.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The police chief announced new measures.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The judicial police gathered evidence.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The gradual militarization of the police sparks debate.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a time you saw the police.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a formal email to a police commissioner requesting information.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say out loud: 'Call the police, please!'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask someone: 'Where is the police station?'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a police officer's uniform out loud.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say out loud: 'I need to report a robbery.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain out loud what you would do if you saw a crime.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Roleplay: You are talking to a traffic officer who pulled you over.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Debate out loud: Should police carry firearms on routine patrols?

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Summarize a recent news story involving the police.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Give a 1-minute speech on the concept of police reform.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Discuss the difference between national and local police jurisdictions.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Analyze the portrayal of police in a specific Spanish-language film or book.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Debate the philosophical concept of the state's monopoly on violence.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronounce clearly: 'po-li-CÍ-a'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'The police arrived very fast yesterday.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'The police are investigating the case.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'The suspect surrendered to the police.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'The operation was carried out with absolute secrecy.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say: 'Police reports enjoy a presumption of truthfulness.'

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask an officer for directions to the city center.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Formally request a police report from a desk sergeant.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the phrase 'Llama a la policía'. What does it mean?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'El policía es alto'. Is the officer male or female?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Fui a la comisaría'. Where did the person go?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Los policías llegaron'. Did one or multiple officers arrive?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Me pusieron una multa'. What happened to the speaker?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'La policía busca al sospechoso'. Who are they looking for?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'El despliegue policial fue masivo'. Was the police presence small or large?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'El sospechoso se entregó'. Did the police have to chase the suspect?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'El comisario fue destituido'. Was the commissioner promoted or fired?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Hubo brutalidad policial'. What is the complaint about?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'El atestado policial es clave'. What document is important?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Se busca evitar la injerencia política'. What are they trying to avoid?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen for the stress in 'policía'. Which syllable is stressed?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Coche de policía'. What vehicle is mentioned?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to 'Policía científica'. Which specific branch is mentioned?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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