ciudadano
/θjudaˈdano/masculine
The English word 'citizen' is translated into Spanish as ciudadano.
The term refers to a legal member of a state. You can use Conciudadano or Conciudadana when you want to emphasize that individuals share the same citizenship.
Meaning: legal member of a state (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ciudadano is derived from ciudad, which means 'city'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular is ciudadano and the feminine singular is ciudadana. For plural forms, use ciudadanos for masculine plural and ciudadanas for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/θjudaˈdano/
Did you know?
- The word ciudadano is often paired with de a pie to describe the 'ordinary citizen' or the 'man on the street'.
- While 'citizen' in English is often used broadly, in many Spanish-speaking legal contexts, a distinction is strictly made between being a ciudadano (having political rights) and being a nacional (having nationality).
- The word ciudadano has a linguistic sibling called citadino, which refers specifically to someone who lives in a city rather than a legal citizen of a state.
Examples in context
- Tom no es ciudadano.Tom isn't a citizen.This sentence uses ciudadano to show a negative state of being.Tatoeba #10093210 by manufrutos, translation #10093047 by ddnktr
- Soy un ciudadano romano.I am a Roman citizen.This sentence uses ciudadano to identify a person's nationality.Tatoeba #496814 by Shishir, translation #432966 by jerom
- Soy un ciudadano francés.I'm a French citizen.Tatoeba #964488 by Shishir, translation #526265 by CN
- Como ciudadano, es tu deber cumplir con las leyesAs a citizen, it is your duty to abide by the laws
- Todos los habitantes de esta ciudad son ciudadanos orgullososAll the inhabitants of this city are proud citizens
- Somos buenos vecinos y ciudadanos comprometidosWe are good neighbors and committed citizens
- Los derechos y responsabilidades de un ciudadano son fundamentales para el desarrollo de una sociedadThe rights and responsibilities of a citizen are crucial for the development of a society
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is explaining his legal status to María at a government office.
- María¿Eres ciudadano de este país, Alejandro?Are you a citizen of this country, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNo, todavía no soy un ciudadano español.No, I am not a Spanish citizen yet.
- MaríaEntiendo, el proceso es un poco lento.I understand, the process is a bit slow.
- AlejandroSí, pero pronto lo seré.Yes, but soon I will be.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “citizen” translations and entries ciudadano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciudadano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
