Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| analfabeto | /analfaˈbeto/ |
| iletrado | /ileˈtɾado/ |
| ágrafo | /ˈaɡɾafo/ |
The term is used to describe someone who is incapable of reading or writing. You may encounter the phrase analfabeto funcional to describe someone who is "functionally illiterate", meaning they possess basic reading skills but cannot use them effectively in daily life.
What does it mean word for word?
The word analfabeto is composed of the prefix a- (without) and alfabeto (alphabet), meaning "without alphabet".
Which one should you use?
While analfabeto refers specifically to the inability to read and write, iletrado often implies a lack of culture or education in a broader sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective analfabeto changes to the feminine form analfabeta when referring to a female. The masculine plural form is analfabetos. Both analfabeto and analfabeta can also function as nouns to mean "an illiterate person", along with iletrado.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/analfaˈbeto/'}
Did you know?
- The Spanish word letrado is not just the opposite of iletrado, but is also a specific official title for a lawyer or a legal expert in some contexts.
- The term ágrafo refers to someone who cannot write, but it is also used in archaeology and anthropology to describe ancient societies that never developed a writing system.
- The term iletrado is often used in literature to describe people who are 'letterless', not just those who cannot read, but those who lack the social status that comes with being 'learned'.
Examples in context
- Creo que Tom es analfabeto.I think Tom is illiterate.This sentence is useful for expressing a belief about someone's literacy status using analfabeto.Tatoeba #3674843 by Seael, translation #3184029 by CK
- Sus dos padres son semi-analfabetos.Both of his parents are semi-illiterate.This sentence is useful for describing parents who are semi-illiterate using analfabeto.Tatoeba #1726519 by marcelostockle, translation #9849249 by kremel
- Soy analfabeto.I'm illiterate.This sentence is useful for stating one's own status as illiterate using analfabeto.Tatoeba #6674897 by arh, translation #2202968 by CK
- En algunas regiones rurales, todavía hay personas analfabetas.In some rural regions, there are still illiterate people.
- Desafortunadamente, hay personas adultas que son incapaces de leer o escribir.Unfortunately, there are adults who are incapable of reading or writing.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a historical documentary.
- DanielMuchos hombres en esa época eran analfabetos.Many men in that era were illiterate.
- LucíaEs verdad, no sabían leer ni escribir.It is true, they did not know how to read or write.
- DanielFue un tiempo muy difícil para ellos.It was a very difficult time for them.
- LucíaSí, la educación era un gran lujo.Yes, education was a great luxury.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “illiterate” translations and entries analfabeto, iletrado, ágrafo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
