la paz
LowFormal / Geographical
Definition
Meaning
A proper noun referring primarily to the administrative capital of Bolivia, a city in the Andes.
Can refer to any place named after the concept of 'peace' (from Spanish 'paz'), such as towns in Argentina, Mexico, or the Philippines. In geopolitical contexts, it may refer to international treaties or agreements, e.g., 'the Treaty of La Paz'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a proper noun, it is capitalized. It often requires geographical or historical context to disambiguate from the common noun 'peace' (paz). The 'La' is an integral part of the name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both refer to the same geographical entity.
Connotations
Primarily geographical/historical. May evoke connotations of high altitude, Andean culture, or Bolivian politics.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, appearing mainly in geographical, historical, or travel-related discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: Person/Group] [Verb: travel/live/go] [to/in/from] La Paz.La Paz [Verb: is/has/celebrates] [Complement].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
May appear in reports on mining, tourism, or South American markets, e.g., 'Our subsidiary in La Paz reported strong growth.'
Academic
Used in geography, history, political science, and anthropology texts discussing Bolivia or the Andes.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation outside of travel planning, news about Bolivia, or geography quizzes.
Technical
In meteorology, may be cited for its high-altitude climate; in aviation, as a destination.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- La Paz markets are vibrant.
- The La Paz agreement was signed.
American English
- La Paz markets are vibrant.
- The La Paz agreement was signed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- La Paz is a big city.
- It is in Bolivia.
- My friend lives in La Paz.
- La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.
- We flew into La Paz last summer.
- The weather in La Paz can be quite cold.
- Due to its altitude, some visitors to La Paz experience soroche, or altitude sickness.
- The political demonstrations in La Paz were covered by international news.
- La Paz serves as the seat of government, while Sucre is the constitutional capital.
- The intricate cable car system in La Paz, known as Mi Teleférico, has revolutionized urban transit in the metropolis.
- Analysts are scrutinising the new economic policies emanating from La Paz for their regional impact.
- The historic centre of La Paz, with its winding streets and colonial architecture, contrasts sharply with the modern southern zone.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: 'La Paz' is the place with 'paz' (peace) in its name, but it's the high-altitude capital, not the constitutional capital (Sucre) of Bolivia.
Conceptual Metaphor
CITY IS A CONTAINER (for culture, history, people).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'мир' (peace) when it is a proper noun. The name is not declined in English (e.g., 'in La Paz', not 'in La Paze').
- Do not confuse with other cities named 'La Paz' in different countries; context is key.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the definite article 'La' (incorrect: 'Paz, Bolivia').
- Using lowercase ('la paz') when it is a proper noun.
- Confusing it with Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key fact about La Paz?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with a distinction. La Paz is the administrative (seat of government) and legislative capital, while Sucre is the constitutional capital.
The name translates to 'The Peace' from Spanish. Many places in the Spanish-speaking world are named after religious or conceptual titles, like 'Nuestra Señora de La Paz' (Our Lady of Peace).
It is famous primarily for being the highest administrative capital city in the world, situated in a canyon within the Andes mountains at over 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) above sea level.
Yes. 'La' is an integral part of the proper noun. Referring to it simply as 'Paz' is incorrect in English and Spanish usage.