Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| humano | /uˈmano/ | masculine |
| hombre | /ˈombɾe/ | masculine |
| ser humano | /ˌseɾ uˈmano/ | masculine |
The word humano can function as both a noun, meaning 'a human' and an adjective, meaning 'human' or 'humane'. It can also describe things of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens, or having the nature and attributes of a human being. Other ways to refer to humans include los seres humanos for 'human beings', la especie humana for 'the human species', las personas for 'people or individuals' and la gente for 'people' in a general sense.
Which one should you use?
While hombre can refer to a human in a biological context, its primary meaning is 'man' (an adult male) and it is not considered a gender-neutral term. For referring to a human being as a biological or philosophical entity, ser humano is the most common choice, whereas humano is frequently used as an adjective.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using humano as an adjective to describe a feminine noun or a female, you must use the feminine form humana.
How do you pronounce it?
/uˈmano/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for 'man', hombre, can be traced back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'earthling'.
- The word ser in ser humano is a verb that means 'to be' but also functions as a noun meaning 'being'.
- The phrase ser humano treats the human as an entity or essence, whereas persona emphasizes the individual's legal or social identity.
Examples in context
- Soy un ser humano.I'm a human.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a human using the form humano.Tatoeba #1264219 by Shishir, translation #433600 by Alkrasnov
- ¿Qué nos hace humanos?What makes us human?This sentence is useful for asking a question about what makes us human using the form humano.Tatoeba #1705579 by marcelostockle, translation #1551671 by Scott
- Un gato no es un humano.A cat is not human.This sentence is useful for stating that a cat is not a human using the form humano.Tatoeba #1129800 by marcelostockle, translation #515178 by Swift
- La dignidad de toda persona debe ser respetada.The dignity of every person must be respected.
- El ser humano es capaz de grandes logros.The human being is capable of great achievements.
- La gente es capaz de adaptarse a cualquier situación.People can adapt to any situation.
- 234 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a science fiction movie.
- LucíaEl protagonista no es un humano.The protagonist is not a human.
- JavierTienes razón, parece un robot.You're right, he looks like a robot.
- LucíaPero actúa como un humano real.But he acts like a real human.
- JavierEso hace que la película sea interesante.That's what makes the movie interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “human” translations and entries humano, hombre, ser humano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hombre, humano, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
