vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Colonias" is a form of "colonia", a noun which is often translated as "colony". "Barrios" is a form of "barrio", a noun which is often translated as "neighborhood". Learn more about the difference between "colonias" and "barrios" below.
la colonia(
koh
-
loh
-
nyah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (territory)
a. colony
Nueva Zelandia tiene una colonia situada en el Océano Pacífico.New Zealand has a colony located in the Pacific Ocean.
a. colony (of settlers)
Una colonia proveniente del norte se estableció en este lugar.A colony coming from the north settled in this place.
b. community (of expatriates)
John Dos Passos fue una figura importante de la colonia americana en España.John Dos Passos was a prominent figure of the American community in Spain.
5. (housing)
a. residential development
Se están construyendo colonias para los empleados de la compañía.Residential developments are being built for the company employees.
a. suburb
Me interesa comprar una casa en una colonia tranquila.I'm interested in buying a house in a calm suburb.
8. (ribbon)
a. silk ribbon
El vestido tenía detalles hechos con colonia.The dress had details made of silk ribbon.
a. Cuban ornamental plant
Estas colonias huelen muy bien.These Cuban ornamental plants smell really nice.
el barrio(
bah
-
rryoh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. neighborhood (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Pepe y yo crecimos en el mismo barrio.Pepe and I grew up in the same neighborhood.
b. neighbourhood (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Construyeron el barrio sobre puro campo.The neighbourhood was built in open countryside.
c. district
Hay seis barrios encantadores en nuestro condado.There are six charming districts in our county.
d. quarter
Viven en el Barrio Latino de la ciudad, donde se habla mucho el español.They live in the Latin Quarter of the city, where Spanish is widely spoken.
