territorio
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “territorio” mean in English?
1.territory — an area under the jurisdiction of a ruler; also a sphere of action
territory — an area under the jurisdiction of a ruler; also a sphere of action (territorio nacional/ocupado; repartir el territorio)
2.territory — an area under jurisdiction or ownership; 'territorio disputado/nacional'; 'territorio desconocido' = uncharted territory
Example sentences
La distribución desigual de recursos entre los distintos territorios del país es fuente de tensiones políticas permanentes.
The unequal distribution of resources between the different territories of the country is a source of permanent political tensions.
La integridad territorial del estado fue cuestionada por el movimiento secesionista durante casi una década.
The territorial integrity of the state was challenged by the secessionist movement for almost a decade.
Los lobos están recuperando territorios que habían abandonado hace décadas en la península ibérica.
Wolves are recovering territories they had abandoned decades ago on the Iberian Peninsula.
How to use it
El territorio (noun, masculine) means 'territory' — an area under particular jurisdiction, or a sphere of activity. Core B2 collocations: territorio nacional/ocupado; distribución territorial; la integridad del territorio; ceder/defender/repartir territorio; territorio comanche (colloquial: dangerous ground). The adjective is territorial. Distinguish from zona (zone — functional area), región (region — administrative division), and espacio (space — neutral).
Common mistake
Territorio is broader than región (an administrative subdivision). 'Territorial waters' = aguas territoriales. 'No man's land' = tierra de nadie (not *territorio de nadie). 'Territory' in the sense of a salesperson's patch = zona/área de ventas.