individual
/indibiˈdwal/
The Spanish word for individual (noun) is individual.
As a noun, the word refers to a person considered alone. However, note that if you are specifically referring to a person as a single entity, the word individuo is often used. When used as an adjective, individual describes something that is relating to a single person or thing or something intended for a single person.
Meaning: person considered alone (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is an important distinction between the noun and adjective forms. Use individuo when you mean 'a person' as a noun. Use individual when you are using it as an adjective to mean 'single' or 'separate'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun individuo is individuos. When using the adjective form, individual changes to individuales to agree with a plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/indibiˈdwal/
Did you know?
- If you call someone an individuo in a casual conversation, it can sound surprisingly cold or even suspicious, as if you are a police officer describing a suspect in a report.
- Because individuo can sound quite cold, using it to refer to a friend is a common way to perform 'ironic distance'. By calling a friend ese individuo, you are jokingly treating them like a stranger or a suspicious character.
- Unlike the English 'individual' which is quite neutral, the Spanish adjective individual is the primary way to express that something is 'single-use' or 'per person'. For example, a 'single' bed is often described using the concept of individual to avoid confusion.
Examples in context
- El alojamiento es en tiendas individuales.Accommodation is in individual tents.This sentence shows how to use the adjective individual to describe tents.Tatoeba #2143284 by Shishir, translation #2139629 by halfb1t
- La libertad individual es la esencia de la democracia.Individual liberty is the essence of democracy.This sentence uses the adjective individual to describe liberty.Tatoeba #1787061 by hayastan, translation #1787054 by Dejo
- El libro de texto muestra el significado de cada palabra individual con una imagen.The textbook shows the meaning of each individual word with a picture.This sentence demonstrates the adjective individual describing a word.Tatoeba #1712749 by teskmon, translation #1394380 by CM
- El estudio se enfocó en el comportamiento de cada individuo en la muestra.The study focused on the behavior of each individual in the sample.
- Cada persona tiene su propia perspectiva.Each individual has their own perspective.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a new project at work.
- JavierCada individual debe presentar su reporte mañana.Each individual must present their report tomorrow.
- ElenaEstá bien, yo ya terminé el mío.That's fine, I already finished mine.
- JavierPerfecto, Elena. ¿Y los demás?Perfect, Elena. And the others?
- ElenaCreo que algunos necesitan más tiempo.I think some need more time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry individual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
