azteca
/aθˈteka/feminine, masculine
The English word aztec can be translated into Spanish as azteca. Wiktionary also lists asteca.
Meaning: person from indigenous ethnic group (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| azteca | /aθˈteka/ /asˈteka/ |
feminine, masculine |
| asteca | /asteka/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
The term refers to a person from the indigenous ethnic group.
Which one should you use?
While azteca is the standard spelling, asteca is a very common variant used in Spanish to refer to the same people and culture.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective, azteca is invariable for gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθˈteka/
Did you know?
- In modern Mexico, the term mexica is often preferred over azteca when referring specifically to the people who founded Tenochtitlan. While both are used, mexica is seen as more historically accurate for that specific group.
- The term comes from the Nahuatl word for 'inhabitant of Aztlan', a legendary place that researchers still debate whether actually existed or was a purely mythological concept.
- While 'Aztec' in English is often capitalized, in Spanish, names of ethnic groups like aztecas are written in lowercase unless they begin a sentence.
Examples in context
- Hernán Cortés destruyó la cultura azteca.Hernan Cortes destroyed Aztec culture.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe the destruction of the azteca culture.Tatoeba #1078726 by hayastan, translation #4765036 by Doremi391
- Una vez, Cristóbal Colón sacrificó la esquina de su sombrero a un dios azteca, trayendo años de prosperidad al pueblo de éste.Christopher Columbus once sacrificed the corner of his hat to an Aztec god, bringing about years of prosperity to that god's village.This sentence shows a way to refer to an azteca god.Tatoeba #578802 by Shishir, translation #576234 by FeuDRenais2
- La civilización azteca fue una de las más importantes de Mesoamérica.The Aztec civilization was one of the most important in Mesoamerica.
- Me fascina la historia de los aztecas.I'm fascinated by the history of the Aztecs.
- Los mexicas construyeron la gran Tenochtitlán en el siglo XIV.The Mexicas built the great Tenochtitlan in the 14th century.
- En algunas regiones de México, se conoce a los aztecas o mexicas como una parte fundamental de la historia.In some regions of Mexico, the Aztecs or Mexicas are known as a fundamental part of history.
- La influencia de los aztecas antiguos sigue presente en la cultura mexicana actual.The influence of the ancient Aztecs is still present in current Mexican culture.
- Ese guerrero azteca era muy valiente.That Aztec warrior was very brave.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are visiting a museum in Mexico City.
- ElenaMira este casco de un guerrero azteca.Look at this helmet of an Aztec warrior.
- MateoEs increíble el detalle del metal.The detail of the metal is incredible.
- ElenaEl Imperio azteca era muy avanzado.The Aztec Empire was very advanced.
- MateoTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aztec” translations and entries azteca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azteca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
