Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| élite | /ˈelite/ | feminine |
| elite | /eˈlite/ | feminine, alternative form |
The word refers to a group with higher status. It is primarily used as a feminine noun. The word can also function as an adjective meaning of high birth or social position.
Which one should you use?
The word has two forms: élite and elite. The form elite is an alternative spelling of élite.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Central and South America, you may hear the word cacique to describe a chief or leader who possesses significant power and influence. In Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires, the term pituco/a is used to refer to people who belong to the upper class and are characterized by an extravagant lifestyle. In Spain, the colloquial term Pija(o) is used to describe someone who is considered posh or snobbish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun élite is feminine and requires feminine articles, such as la élite.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈelite/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When writing the word in Spanish, remember to include the written accent on the first 'e' as élite. English speakers often forget this.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word élite is a direct loanword borrowed from French élite.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone an élite can sound more clinical or sociological than the more common, politically charged term oligarquía.
- The concept of the 'elite' in Spanish-speaking history is often tied to the term criollos, referring to people of European descent born in the Americas, which carries a different historical weight than the modern élite.
Examples in context
- Ahora formas parte de la élite.You are now among the elite.This sentence is useful for showing membership in the elite.Tatoeba #1271313 by Silvestre, translation #16753 by CC
- No quiero en absoluto pertenecer a la élite. Ya es bastante para mí ser el mejor.I don't want to belong to the elite at all. It's already enough for me to be the best.This sentence illustrates a refusal to belong to the elite.Tatoeba #984964 by Shishir, translation #984520 by sacredceltic
- En las películas de cine, la élite nos anuncia lo que va a suceder décadas después.In the movies at the theater, the elite announces to us what is going to happen decades later.This sentence shows the elite as a subject that makes announcements.Tatoeba #10188207 by saverius, translation #11507904 by duckington
- Tiene acceso al club selectoHe/She has access to the select club
- Es una discoteca distinguidaIt is a distinguished nightclub
- Mis amigos son un poco pijos, pero son buenas personasMy friends are a bit posh, but they are good people
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about an exclusive university club.
- SofíaSolo la élite de la universidad entra aquí.Only the university elite get in here.
- AlejandroNo me importa ese tipo de grupos.I don't care about those kinds of groups.
- SofíaPero te daría muchos contactos importantes, Alejandro.But it would give you many important contacts, Alejandro.
- AlejandroPrefiero hacer amigos normales, Sofía.I prefer making normal friends, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elite” translations and entries élite, elite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries élite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
