etnia
/ˈednja/feminine
The English word 'ethnicity' is translated into Spanish as etnia.
Etnia is used to describe an ethnic group. You may also encounter the phrase origen étnico to convey 'ethnic origin' or the term grupo étnico to refer to an 'ethnic group'.
Meaning: ethnic group (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to hear the terms origen étnico (ethnic origin) and grupo étnico (ethnic group) when discussing ethnicity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of etnia is etnias.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈednja/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the concept of mestizaje describes a specific ethnic blending that makes the categorical use of etnia feel less applicable to the general population.
- Because etnia can sound quite academic or anthropological, people in casual conversation might instead refer to someone's raíces (roots) to discuss their ethnic background.
- In some legal and sociological contexts in Spain and Latin America, the term autoidentificación (self-identification) is used instead of etnia to respect how individuals choose to define their own identity.
Examples in context
- Es argelino de etnia bereber.He's Algerian of Berber ethnicity.This sentence is useful for describing someone's ethnicity using etnia.Tatoeba #11708136 by Seael, translation #8594181 by Amastan
- Hanfu es la ropa tradicional de la etnia han.Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han ethnicity.This sentence is useful for identifying the traditional clothing of a specific etnia.Tatoeba #5649295 by xjjAstrus, translation #5651213 by Mar1L
- La etnia africanaThe African ethnicity
- Mi origen étnico es asiáticoMy ethnic origin is Asian
- Los mayas son un grupo étnico de América CentralThe Mayans are an ethnic group from Central America
- Mi herencia es hispanaMy heritage is Hispanic
- Mis antepasados son originarios de EuropaMy ancestors are from Europe
- Esa etnia tiene tradiciones muy antiguas.That ethnic group has very ancient traditions.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a documentary at home.
- Lucía¿De qué etnia es el pueblo del documental?Which ethnic group is the people in the documentary from?
- JavierEs una etnia pequeña de la montaña.It is a small ethnic group from the mountains.
- LucíaSu cultura es realmente fascinante, Javier.Their culture is truly fascinating, Javier.
- JavierSí, me encanta aprender sobre ellos.Yes, I love learning about them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ethnicity” translations and entries etnia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
