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"Main" is an adjective which is often translated as "principal", and "principal" is a noun which is often translated as "el director". Learn more about the difference between "main" and "principal" below.
main(
meyn
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. principal
My job is the main reason why I live in this city.Mi trabajo es la razón principal por la que vivo en esta ciudad.
b. fundamental
This summary includes the main ideas of the chapter.Este resumen incluye las ideas fundamentales del capítulo.
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
2. (supply)
a. la cañería principal (F) (water)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The water main broke and we were out of water for an entire day.La cañería principal se rompió y nos faltó agua un día entero.
b. la tubería principal (F) (water)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The street is closed because the mains are going to be repaired.La calle está cortada porque van a reparar las tuberías principales.
c. el cable principal (M) (electricity)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Someone cut the main of the electrical system.Alguien cortó el cable principal de la red eléctrica.
3. (literary) (ocean)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. la mar océana (F) (archaic) (literary)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
A word or phrase that is no longer used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another era (e.g., thou).
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
The pirates took their ship way out into the main.Los piratas llevaron su barco hasta la mar océana.
4. (nautical)
a. la vela mayor (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
"Unfold the main!" shouted the captain."¡Desplieguen la vela mayor!" gritó el capitán.
principal(
prihn
-
sih
-
puhl
)A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
1. (education)
a. el director (M), la directora (F)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Randy! If you interrupt me one more time, I will send you to the principal's office. Understood?¡Randy! Si me vuelves a interrumpir, te voy a mandar a la oficina del director. ¿Entendido?
The new principal is enforcing stricter rules and regulations.El nuevo director va a imponer reglas y normas más estrictas.
b. el rector (M), la rectora (F) (college)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The application form should be completed by the university principal.La rectora de la universidad debe rellenar el formulario de solicitud.
2. (finance)
a. el capital (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Can I withdraw my principal before 30 days?¿Puedo retirar mi capital inversor antes de 30 días?
3. (arts)
a. el protagonista (M), la protagonista (F) (theater)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Who was the principal in the movie we watched last night?¿Quién fue la protagonista de la película que vimos anoche?
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
4. (foremost)
a. principal
My work is my principal source of income.Mi trabajo es mi principal fuente de ingresos.
