Updated on March 6, 2024
The word 'political' carries great significance in our world today, shaping the way we engage with society, government, and each other. Its cultural importance is undeniable, as it influences everything from our laws and policies to our social norms and values. But have you ever wondered how the word 'political' translates in different languages?
Understanding the translation of 'political' in various languages can provide unique cultural insights and help us appreciate the rich diversity of political systems and ideologies around the world. For example, in Spanish, 'political' translates to 'político,' while in French, it's 'politique.' Meanwhile, in Mandarin Chinese, the word for political is '政治' (zhèngzhì).
Moreover, the study of political terminology in different languages can reveal fascinating historical contexts and linguistic nuances. For instance, did you know that the German word for politics, 'Politik,' comes from the Greek word 'polis,' meaning city-state? Or that the Russian word for political, 'политический (polytycheskiy),' reflects the country's long history of political upheaval and revolution?
So, whether you're a language enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious, exploring the translations of the word 'political' can be a rewarding and enlightening journey. Keep reading to discover more fascinating translations of this important word!
Afrikaans | politiese | ||
"Politiese" in Afrikaans can also refer to "courteous" or "polite". | |||
Amharic | የፖለቲካ | ||
The word 'የፖለቲካ' derives from the Greek word 'politikos', meaning 'of, for, or relating to the state'. | |||
Hausa | siyasa | ||
The Hausa word "siyasa" originates from Arabic meaning governance, authority or policy. | |||
Igbo | ndọrọ ndọrọ ọchịchị | ||
The first word 'ndọrọ' refers to the act of 'managing' or 'arranging' while the second 'ndọrọ' suggests 'governing' or 'ruling. | |||
Malagasy | ara-politika | ||
The root "ara-politika" is also frequently used to designate politics and political issues | |||
Nyanja (Chichewa) | ndale | ||
The word "ndale" in Nyanja (Chichewa) can refer to anything related to politics, government, or public affairs. | |||
Shona | zvematongerwo enyika | ||
The Shona word "zvematongerwo enyika" can also mean "pertaining to the government" or "of or pertaining to public affairs." | |||
Somali | siyaasadeed | ||
The Somali word "siyaasadeed" can also refer to "policy" or "government." | |||
Sesotho | lipolotiki | ||
Lipolotiki derives from the word -polotiki, meaning 'to lead,' as in 'head of cattle' or 'leader of the people'. | |||
Swahili | kisiasa | ||
The word "kisiasa" in Swahili can also refer to "affairs" or "business" in a broader sense. | |||
Xhosa | kwezopolitiko | ||
The word kwezopolitiko is derived from the Xhosa words "kwezo" (of) and "politiki" (politics). | |||
Yoruba | oselu | ||
In some contexts, the word "oselu" can have negative implications, such as "manipulative" or "cunning". | |||
Zulu | ezepolitiki | ||
The Zulu word 'ezepolitiki' has various meanings, including 'of or pertaining to politics', 'political science', and 'politically correct'. | |||
Bambara | politiki siratigɛ la | ||
Ewe | dunyahehe | ||
Kinyarwanda | politiki | ||
Lingala | makambo ya politiki | ||
Luganda | ebyobufuzi | ||
Sepedi | dipolotiki | ||
Twi (Akan) | amammuisɛm mu | ||
Arabic | سياسي | ||
The word "سياسي" in Arabic can also mean "astrologer", deriving from the Greek word "πολιτικός" (politikos), meaning "of, for, or relating to the state or its affairs". | |||
Hebrew | פּוֹלִיטִי | ||
Hebrew פּוֹלִיטִי "political" derives from Ancient Greek "polei" meaning city states | |||
Pashto | سیاسي | ||
The Pashto word "سیاسي" derives from the Arabic word "سوس" (suws) meaning "ruler". | |||
Arabic | سياسي | ||
The word "سياسي" in Arabic can also mean "astrologer", deriving from the Greek word "πολιτικός" (politikos), meaning "of, for, or relating to the state or its affairs". |
Albanian | politike | ||
Politike comes from the Greek word "politeia", which means "citizenship" or "government". | |||
Basque | politikoa | ||
"Politikoa" is one of several words for "political" in Basque; "politikal" (borrowed from Spanish) is generally preferred in formal uses. | |||
Catalan | polític | ||
The Catalan word "polític" also means "polite" and derives from the Greek "politikós", meaning "citizen". | |||
Croatian | politička | ||
The Croatian word 'politička' can also mean 'political science' or 'female politician'. | |||
Danish | politisk | ||
In Danish, the word "politisk" can also refer to something that is "well-mannered" or "socially correct." | |||
Dutch | politiek | ||
"Politiek" shares its etymology with the Greek word "polis" (city) and can also mean "public" or "urban" in Dutch. | |||
English | political | ||
"Politics" also denotes a person's views or a line of action, especially one designed to achieve a specific result through the exercise of power or influence. | |||
French | politique | ||
In French, "politique" can also mean "policy," "statecraft," or "diplomacy." | |||
Frisian | polityk | ||
The Frisian word "polityk" can be derived from the Greek word "politeia", referring to the organization or constitution of a state. | |||
Galician | político | ||
In Galician, "político" also refers to a type of octopus dish. | |||
German | politisch | ||
The word "politisch" can also mean "prudent" or "diplomatic" in German, reflecting its Latin origins (from Greek "politeia") | |||
Icelandic | pólitískt | ||
The word "pólitískt" in Icelandic derives from the Greek word "politikos", meaning "of or relating to the state" or "civic." | |||
Irish | polaitiúil | ||
The word "polaitiúil" also means "relating to the city" or "pertaining to citizens" in Irish. | |||
Italian | politico | ||
"Politico" in Italian can also mean a politician or political operator. | |||
Luxembourgish | politesch | ||
Politesch in Luxembourgish derives from the French word "politique" and is also used to refer to "polite" or "courteous" behavior. | |||
Maltese | politiku | ||
Politiku was derived from the Ancient Greek word politēs (πολῑ́της), meaning 'citizen'. | |||
Norwegian | politisk | ||
In Norwegian, "politisk" can also refer to politics in a wider sense, including social and economic issues. | |||
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | político | ||
In Portuguese, "político" also refers to a person who is cunning or manipulative in their dealings with others. | |||
Scots Gaelic | poilitigeach | ||
In Scots Gaelic, "poilitigeach" also means "politician" or "statesman". | |||
Spanish | político | ||
The word 'político' can also mean 'polite' or 'courteous'. | |||
Swedish | politisk | ||
The word «politisk» in Swedish can also mean «prudish» or «overly sensitive». | |||
Welsh | gwleidyddol | ||
The word "gwleidyddol" can mean either "political" or "civil", derived from the Latin word "civilis". |
Belarusian | палітычны | ||
Bosnian | politička | ||
The word "politička" in Bosnian also means "female politician" when used as a noun. | |||
Bulgarian | политически | ||
“Политически” literally means “of many” or “public” in Greek, from which it was borrowed into Bulgarian to mean “political”. | |||
Czech | politický | ||
The word "politický" can also mean "state" or "public" in Czech. | |||
Estonian | poliitiline | ||
The word "poliitiline" in Estonian is derived from the Greek word "politikos", meaning "of or relating to the state". | |||
Finnish | poliittinen | ||
Poliittinen's origin is 'polis', meaning 'city-state' or 'citizen'. Originally, it referred to city life and governance, but now it encompasses all aspects related to governing a society or group. | |||
Hungarian | politikai | ||
Politikai in Hungarian derives from the Ancient Greek word "politikos," meaning "of, for, or relating to the state". | |||
Latvian | politisks | ||
The word "politisks" in Latvian can also mean "political economy" or "public affairs". | |||
Lithuanian | politinis | ||
Politinis derives from the Greek, and has been preserved since at least the 17th century in Lithuanian | |||
Macedonian | политички | ||
The word "политички" can also mean "political correctness" or "political party" in Macedonian. | |||
Polish | polityczny | ||
In Polish, "polityczny" stems from the word "polis," which refers to the ancient Greek city-states. | |||
Romanian | politic | ||
In Romanian, "politic" can also mean "polite" or "well-mannered." | |||
Russian | политический | ||
The term "политический" in Russian derives from the Greek word "πολιτικός," meaning "of, or pertaining to the state. | |||
Serbian | политичка | ||
The Serbian word for "political," "политичка," has different semantic meanings from the English "political," as it can also refer to a female politician or a woman who works in the realm of politics, rather than referring solely to political ideas or actions. | |||
Slovak | politické | ||
Politické (political) also means 'political science' or 'political economy' in Slovak. | |||
Slovenian | politično | ||
"Politično" can also mean "political party" or "policy" | |||
Ukrainian | політичний | ||
Ukrainian 'політичний' and English 'political' come from the same Greek word 'politikos' meaning 'of, for, or relating to citizens'. |
Bengali | রাজনৈতিক | ||
রাজনৈতিক শব্দটি সংস্কৃত শব্দ রাজনীতি (rajaniti) থেকে এসেছে, যার অর্থ হল 'রাজ্যের ব্যাপার'। | |||
Gujarati | રાજકીય | ||
The word "રાજકીય" also means "related to power or authority" in Gujarati, and originates from the Sanskrit root "राज", meaning "to rule". | |||
Hindi | राजनीतिक | ||
The term "राजनीतिक" can be traced to the Sanskrit root ‘राजन्’ (rajan), indicating king, and "niti", denoting conduct, principles or rules. | |||
Kannada | ರಾಜಕೀಯ | ||
The Kannada word "ರಾಜಕೀಯ" is derived from the Sanskrit word "rāja", meaning "king", and "kriyā", meaning "action". It refers to the actions and principles of government, as well as the art or science of governing a state or nation. | |||
Malayalam | രാഷ്ട്രീയ | ||
Marathi | राजकीय | ||
The Marathi word राजकीय ('political') is cognate with the Sanskrit word राज्य (rajya, 'realm'), from which it was derived. | |||
Nepali | राजनीतिक | ||
"राजनीतिक" also refers to a game of chess, or to affairs that happen within the palace of a king. | |||
Punjabi | ਰਾਜਨੀਤਿਕ | ||
The word comes from the Sanskrit word 'rajniti', meaning 'the art of governance'. | |||
Sinhala (Sinhalese) | දේශපාලන | ||
The second part of the term - පාලන - comes from Sanskrit "palana" meaning "care" or "rule". The first part of the term - දේශ - is of Sanskrit origin and refers to "country" or "territory". | |||
Tamil | அரசியல் | ||
"அரசியல்" is etymologically related to the word "அரசு" (government), and its literal meaning is "pertaining to government or the state". | |||
Telugu | రాజకీయ | ||
The word "రాజకీయ" is derived from the Sanskrit word "राजकुल" (kingdom) and means "relating to the affairs of government". | |||
Urdu | سیاسی | ||
سیاسی can also refer to something fashionable, particularly in clothing. |
Chinese (Simplified) | 政治 | ||
政治 "politics" is a borrowing from Japanese, where it means "science of government". | |||
Chinese (Traditional) | 政治 | ||
政治 originally referred to a form of governance in which rulers were aided by the principles of morality and the counsels of worthy men. | |||
Japanese | 政治 | ||
The compound word "政治" means "to control and correct" or "country and political affairs" when written with Kanji, but in more modern Japanese usage it is a generic, and usually negative, way of describing politics, as is the related noun "政治家" („politician“). | |||
Korean | 주재관 | ||
주재관 is also the Korean word for a Resident in Diplomacy. | |||
Mongolian | улс төрийн | ||
The word "улс төрийн" has been used since the 15th century to refer to policies and governments. | |||
Myanmar (Burmese) | နိုင်ငံရေး | ||
Indonesian | politik | ||
The Indonesian word "politik" is derived from the Greek word "politikos", meaning "of, for, or relating to citizens or the state". | |||
Javanese | politik | ||
In Javanese, "politik" (political) can also refer to "cunning" or "scheming". | |||
Khmer | នយោបាយ | ||
The word "នយោបាយ" is derived from the Sanskrit word "nītiśāstra", meaning "the science of governance". | |||
Lao | ທາງດ້ານການເມືອງ | ||
Malay | politik | ||
The Malay word 'politik' comes from the Arabic word 'siyāsa' which means 'to rule', 'to govern', or 'to administer'. | |||
Thai | ทางการเมือง | ||
ทางการเมือง (political) literally means "to go via the city" in Thai, referring to the ancient practice of conducting political affairs in the city center. | |||
Vietnamese | chính trị | ||
Chính trị can also refer to government or national affairs. | |||
Filipino (Tagalog) | pampulitika | ||
Azerbaijani | siyasi | ||
The word "siyasi" is derived from the Arabic word "siyasa", which originally meant "government" or "administration", and has come to mean "political" in Azerbaijani. | |||
Kazakh | саяси | ||
"Саяси" also means "affairs" or "relations" in Kazakh. | |||
Kyrgyz | саясий | ||
The Kyrgyz word “саясий” derives from the Arabic term “siyāsa” meaning "state governance" and "politics." | |||
Tajik | сиёсӣ | ||
The word "сиёсӣ" is also used to refer to "science" in Tajik. | |||
Turkmen | syýasy | ||
Uzbek | siyosiy | ||
The word 'siyosiy' is derived from the Arabic word 'siysa', which means 'governance' or 'management'. It can also refer to the political system or the government of a country. | |||
Uyghur | سىياسى | ||
Hawaiian | kālaiʻāina | ||
In Hawaiian, "kālaiʻāina" also refers to the ancient art of land and boundary management. | |||
Maori | tōrangapū | ||
The term "tōrangapū" can also refer to governance or the realm of politics and the exercise of power. | |||
Samoan | faaupufai | ||
Derived from the word 'fa' meaning 'government' or 'rule', and 'upu' meaning 'to gather' or 'meet', 'faaupufai' refers to the act of governing, gathering people together for political purposes. | |||
Tagalog (Filipino) | pampulitika | ||
The word pampulitika can also mean "controversial" |
Aymara | política tuqita | ||
Guarani | política rehegua | ||
Esperanto | politika | ||
The word "politika" in Esperanto is derived from the Greek word "politikos" which means "of, for, or pertaining to the state". | |||
Latin | rei publicae | ||
Ancient Romans used 'rei publicae' to refer to the affairs of a sovereign state. |
Greek | πολιτικός | ||
The word "πολιτικός" can also refer to a person involved in city affairs or a citizen | |||
Hmong | ua nom | ||
The literal meaning of "political" in the Hmong language is "to fight". | |||
Kurdish | sîyasî | ||
The word "sîyasî" originates from the Persian word "siyāsī", ultimately derived from the Greek word "politikos" meaning "of or relating to the state". | |||
Turkish | siyasi | ||
The Turkish word "siyasi" derives from the Arabic word "siyasa," which originally meant "government," "governance," or "policy" in general. | |||
Xhosa | kwezopolitiko | ||
The word kwezopolitiko is derived from the Xhosa words "kwezo" (of) and "politiki" (politics). | |||
Yiddish | פּאָליטיש | ||
'פאָליטיש' ('political') derives from the Greek word for city (πόλις), and retains the alternate meaning 'urban' or 'citizenly'. | |||
Zulu | ezepolitiki | ||
The Zulu word 'ezepolitiki' has various meanings, including 'of or pertaining to politics', 'political science', and 'politically correct'. | |||
Assamese | ৰাজকীয় | ||
Aymara | política tuqita | ||
Bhojpuri | राजनीतिक बा | ||
Dhivehi | ސިޔާސީ... | ||
Dogri | राजनीतिक | ||
Filipino (Tagalog) | pampulitika | ||
Guarani | política rehegua | ||
Ilocano | politikal | ||
Krio | pɔlitiks | ||
Kurdish (Sorani) | سیاسی | ||
Maithili | राजनीतिक | ||
Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯔꯥꯖꯅꯤꯇꯤꯒꯤ ꯑꯣꯏꯕꯥ꯫ | ||
Mizo | politics lam hawi | ||
Oromo | siyaasaa | ||
Odia (Oriya) | ରାଜନ political ତିକ | ||
Quechua | política nisqamanta | ||
Sanskrit | राजनैतिक | ||
Tatar | сәяси | ||
Tigrinya | ፖለቲካዊ... | ||
Tsonga | swa tipolitiki | ||