apropiación cultural
/apɾopjaˌθjon kultuˈɾal/feminine
The English phrase "cultural appropriation" is translated into Spanish as apropiación cultural.
The term apropiación cultural refers to the exploitative, oppressive, and/or inaccurate cooption of elements of one culture by members of a different culture.
Meaning: exploitative, oppressive and/or inaccurate cooption of elements of one culture by members of a different culture (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun apropiación is feminine, meaning any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine. To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural form, resulting in las apropiaciones culturales.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾopjaˌθjon kultuˈɾal/
Did you know?
- The word cultura shares a root with the Latin word colō, meaning 'to till' or 'to cultivate', framing culture as something that is grown like a crop.
- In Spanish, the noun apropiación can be used in legal contexts to describe the illegal seizing of property, making the phrase apropiación cultural sound like a literal theft of assets.
- While apropiación cultural is an academic term, critics in Latin America often argue that its application differs from the US context because of the long history of mestizaje, the biological and cultural mixing of peoples.
Examples in context
- La apropiación cultural es un fenómeno que puede resultar en la explotación y falta de respeto hacia las culturas minoritarias.Cultural appropriation is a phenomenon that can result in the exploitation and lack of respect towards minority cultures.
- La apropiación cultural es un tema de debate.Cultural appropriation is a topic of debate.
- Esa moda es una apropiación cultural.That fashion is cultural appropriation.
- Debemos evitar la apropiación cultural en el diseño.We must avoid cultural appropriation in design.
- Muchos artistas critican la apropiación cultural.Many artists criticize cultural appropriation.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a new clothing line at a cafe.
- María¿Viste la nueva colección de esa marca?Did you see that brand's new collection?
- MateoSí, pero me parece una apropiación cultural.Yes, but it seems like cultural appropriation to me.
- MaríaTienes razón, Mateo, es un tema muy serio.You are right, Mateo, it is a very serious issue.
- MateoExacto, no se debe usar sin respeto.Exactly, it shouldn't be used without respect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cultural appropriation” translations and entries apropiación cultural, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apropiación, apropiación cultural, cultural, CC BY-SA 4.0.
