pronombres de género
/pɾonombɾes de xeneɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "gender pronouns" is translated into Spanish as pronombres de género.
The pronoun Él is used to refer to a man, while the gender-neutral pronoun elle is used to promote inclusivity. If you wish to specify that you are referring to the linguistic category of grammatical gender rather than social gender identity, you can use pronombres de género gramatical.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pronombres (pronouns) and de género (of gender).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain countries like Argentina and Uruguay, the pronoun vos is used instead of tú.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun pronombres is plural, so the prepositional phrase de género remains in its singular form to describe the type of pronouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾonombɾes de xeneɾo/
Did you know?
- Because Spanish has grammatical gender for all nouns, some speakers avoid pronombres de género altogether by simply omitting the pronoun, as the verb ending often clarifies the subject.
- To maintain grammatical agreement with the inclusive pronoun elle, speakers often change the endings of related adjectives to -e, such as using todes instead of todos.
- The inclusive pronoun elle remains unofficial because it is not recognized by the Real Academia Española, the institution that regulates the Spanish language.
Examples in context
- Él es mi hermanoHe is my brother
- Ella es mi vecinaShe is my neighbor
- Él es mi amigoHe is my friend
- Ella es mi compañeraShe is my colleague
- ¿Cómo estás vos?How are you?
- 'Ellos' son mis amigos'Ellos' can be used as a gender-neutral pronoun here, meaning 'They are my friends.'
- Debemos usar los pronombres de género correctos.We must use the correct gender pronouns.
- El profesor explicó los pronombres de género hoy.The professor explained gender pronouns today.
- No entiendo bien los pronombres de género en este idioma.I don't understand gender pronouns well in this language.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a language class.
- MaríaJavier, ¿entiendes los pronombres de género?Javier, do you understand gender pronouns?
- JavierNo, me parecen un poco difíciles.No, they seem a bit difficult to me.
- MaríaYo puedo ayudarte con los pronombres de género.I can help you with gender pronouns.
- JavierMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
