hombre
/ˈombɾe/masculine
The English word 'man' is translated into Spanish as hombre. Wiktionary also lists varón.
Meaning: adult male human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hombre | /ˈombɾe/ | masculine |
| varón | /baˈɾon/ | masculine |
The term hombre is the most standard and widely used word for an adult male human. When you need to refer to a male in a formal or clinical context, such as specifying biological sex, the term varón is used.
Which one should you use?
Hombre is the general term for an adult male person. In contrast, varón is used more formally or clinically to specify biological sex or gender.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term tío is a colloquial way to say 'dude' or 'guy' and is predominantly used in Spain. In Latin America, particularly in Venezuela and Colombia, people use pana to mean 'buddy' or 'mate'. In Argentina and Uruguay, the term pibe is commonly heard to mean 'guy' or 'dude'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both hombre and varón are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈombɾe/
Did you know?
- The word hombre shares a surprising ancient root with the word 'earthling', coming from a Proto-Indo-European term for someone connected to the ground.
- In Spain, the word tío literally means 'uncle'. However, it is used so frequently to mean 'guy' or 'dude' that it often has nothing to do with family relations.
- While hombre is the standard word for 'man', using it as an interjection can express surprise or frustration. In this context, it functions like the English 'Man!' or 'Geez!'
Examples in context
- Veo a un hombre.I see a man.This sentence shows how to use hombre when identifying a person.Tatoeba #2195237 by marcelostockle, translation #4573426 by imjcooper
- Tom es un hombre.Tom is a man.This sentence demonstrates using hombre to define someone's identity.Tatoeba #2463921 by marcelostockle, translation #2442285 by danepo
- Ya soy un hombre.I'm a man now.This sentence illustrates the use of hombre when expressing a change in status or maturity.Tatoeba #9855752 by Shishir, translation #3737009 by CK
- Ese hombre es muy educadoThat man is very polite
- El varón ocupó el cargo de gerenteThe man took on the position of manager
- Ese chico es muy talentosoThat guy is very talented
- Oye, tío, ¿qué tal?Hey, man, what's up?
- Hola, ¿qué pasa, pana?Hello, what's up, buddy?
- Ese pibe siempre está de buen humorThat guy is always in a good mood
- El hombre que conocí en la tienda era muy amableThe man I met at the store was very friendly
- Mis panas y yo vamos a salir a comerMy buddies and I are going out to eat
- Ese pibe es un excelente futbolistaThat dude is an excellent soccer player
- 1429 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a new neighbor.
- AlejandroEse hombre es mi nuevo vecino.That man is my new neighbor.
- LucíaParece un hombre muy amable.He looks like a very kind man.
- Alejandro¿Conoces al hombre de la tienda?Do you know the man from the shop?
- LucíaNo, no conozco a ese hombre.No, I don't know that man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “man” translations and entries hombre, varón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hombre, varón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
