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"Ciudad de México" is a proper noun which is often translated as "Mexico City", and "distrito federal" is a noun which is often translated as "federal district". Learn more about the difference between "Ciudad de México" and "distrito federal" below.
la Ciudad de México(
syoo
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dahd
deh
meh
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hee
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koh
)A proper noun refers to the name of a person, place, or thing.
a. Mexico City
Cuando vayan a la Ciudad de México, no dejen de visitar la basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.When you go to Mexico City, make sure you visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
a. Mexico City
La Ciudad de México es una de las ciudades más grandes y pobladas del mundo.Mexico City is one of the biggest and most populated cities in the world.
el distrito federal(
dees
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tree
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toh
feh
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deh
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rahl
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (region)
a. federal district
La residencia oficial del presidente suele estar situada en el distrito federal.The president's official residence is usually located in the federal district.