esquimal
/eskiˈmal/feminine, masculine
The English word 'eskimo' is translated into Spanish as esquimal.
The term esquimal is a noun used to refer to a member of the Eskimo people. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something relating to an Eskimo or their language, and it serves as the name for the Eskimo language itself.
Meaning: member of the Eskimo people(s) (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun esquimal is esquimales (Eskimos). The word esquimal can be used as both a masculine and feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskiˈmal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Note that the Spanish spelling uses qu instead of k to ensure the /k/ sound is maintained before the letter i.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word esquimal is actually a linguistic accident. It was modeled after the French plural esquimaux, as if the French word had a singular form that looked like esquimal.
- Spanish speakers often use the term inuits as a loanword from French or English to be more precise and respectful, as esquimal is increasingly viewed as an external label.
- In Spanish, the word esquimal is an invariable adjective regarding gender. This means you use the exact same spelling for both a male esquimal and a female esquimal, changing only the article.
Examples in context
- El esquimal vive en el Ártico.The Eskimo lives in the Arctic.
- Ella es una esquimal muy valiente.She is a very brave Eskimo woman.
- Ese esquimal lleva ropa de piel.That Eskimo man wears fur clothing.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a photography book.
- JavierMira esta foto de un hombre esquimal.Look at this photo of an Eskimo man.
- ElenaEs impresionante cómo viven en el frío.It is impressive how they live in the cold.
- JavierSí, la ropa del esquimal parece muy cálida.Yes, the Eskimo's clothing looks very warm.
- ElenaSeguro que es necesaria para sobrevivir allí.I am sure it is necessary to survive there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eskimo” translations and entries esquimal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esquimal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
