gitano
/xiˈtano/masculine
The Spanish word for gypsy is gitano.
gitano is a noun used to describe a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group.
Meaning: a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Spain, particularly Andalusia, the informal term Calé is used to refer to a gypsy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of gitano is gitana. The masculine plural form gitanos is used to refer to a group of gypsies or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/xiˈtano/
Did you know?
- Many words in the Spanish language, such as chaval for 'boy' or 'kid', are borrowed from Caló, the mixed language spoken by gitanos in Spain.
- The word gitano is a linguistic fossil of a historical mistake. It stems from the word 'egiptano', because early Europeans incorrectly believed the Romani people had traveled from Egypt.
- Flamenco music and dance, which are global symbols of Spanish culture, were developed through a deep synthesis of gitano and Andalusian traditions.
Examples in context
- Que Jacinto sea gitano o no es irrelevante.Whether Jacinto is a gypsy or not is irrelevant.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of gitano in a sentence regarding someone's identity.Tatoeba #10208517 by Seael, translation #10616096 by sangelo
- El folklore gitano es rico en tradiciones y música.Gypsy folklore is rich in traditions and music.
- Los rom son una etnia nómada originaria del norte de India.The Rom are a nomadic ethnic group originating from northern India.
- Mi vecino es gitano, es un chico muy simpático.My neighbor is a gypsy, he is a very friendly guy.
- En el barrio, los calés organizan una fiesta gitana cada verano.In the neighborhood, the gypsies organize a gypsy party every summer.
- Él es un gitano muy talentoso.He is a very talented gypsy.
- Conocí a un gitano en el festival.I met a gypsy at the festival.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing a neighbor's family history.
- MaríaTu vecino es gitano, ¿verdad?Your neighbor is a gypsy, right?
- AlejandroSí, él y su familia son gitanos.Yes, he and his family are gypsies.
- MaríaTienen tradiciones muy interesantes.They have very interesting traditions.
- AlejandroTienes razón, me gusta aprender de ellos.You are right, I like learning from them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gypsy” translations and entries gitano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gitano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
