enano
/eˈnano/
The English word dwarf is translated into Spanish as enano.
As a noun, enano refers to a being from folklore or an underground-dwelling nature spirit. In the context of fantasy literature and games, it is the standard term for the mythological race. The word can also be used as an adjective meaning miniature. In astronomy, it forms the compound noun planeta enano to mean dwarf planet.
Meaning: a being from folklore, underground-dwelling nature spirit (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Spain, the term chato is sometimes used to refer to a person of short stature.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is gendered. Use enana when referring to a female dwarf. The plural form is enanos. The related verb enanizarse means to become much smaller.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈnano/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using enano to describe a person's height in a social context. Doing so can be perceived as offensive or rude, similar to the English word 'midget'.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word enano shares a linguistic ancestor with the English prefix 'nano-', used to describe incredibly small things like 'nanotechnology'.
- While enano is the standard term for fantasy dwarves, some Spanish translations of Tolkien's work historically experimented with different terms to distinguish mythological beings from people of short stature.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, enano is used colloquially to describe a very small child, regardless of their actual medical condition or genetics.
Examples in context
- No soy un enano. Tengo baja estatura.I am not a dwarf. I am of short stature.This sentence shows how to distinguish between being a dwarf and simply having short stature using enano.Tatoeba #1751691 by marcelostockle, translation #1692101 by bserog
- Puedes hacer de humano, de elfo o de enano.You can play as a human, as an elf or as a dwarf.This sentence uses enano in the context of role-playing or character selection.Tatoeba #10247930 by Seael, translation #7010277 by Hybrid
- Haumea es un planeta enano de forma inusual.Haumea is an oddly-shaped dwarf planet.This sentence demonstrates the use of enano in the astronomical term for a dwarf planet.Tatoeba #10226906 by Seael, translation #6293987 by Hybrid
- Espero que todos los enanos de nuestra compañía asistan a la reunión de hoy.I hope all the dwarfs in our company attend today's meeting.
- Siempre ha habido una presencia pictórica de fenómenos como los enanos en el arte.There has always been a pictorial presence of phenomena like dwarfs in art.
- ¡Mira ese enanito jugando en el parque!Look at that little dwarf playing in the park!
- Mi abuela es tan cariñosa, siempre llama enanita a mi hermana pequeña.My grandmother is so affectionate, she always calls my little sister "enanita."
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fantasy novel in a cafe.
- DanielEse enano tiene un hacha de plata.That dwarf has a silver axe.
- SofíaSí, es un personaje muy fuerte.Yes, he is a very strong character.
- Daniel¿Crees que el enano ganará la batalla?Do you think the dwarf will win the battle?
- SofíaSeguramente ganará gracias a su valor.He will surely win thanks to his courage.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dwarf” translations and entries enano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
