mestizo
/mesˈtiθo/masculine
The Spanish word for person of mixed ancestry is mestizo. Wiktionary also lists mestiza.
Meaning: person of mixed ancestry (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mestizo | /mesˈtiθo/ /mesˈtiso/ |
masculine |
| mestiza | /mesˈtiθa/ /mesˈtisa/ |
feminine |
The term refers to a person of mixed ancestry.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, you may use trigueño or moreno to describe someone of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. In Peru, the term cholo is used informally to describe mixed heritage, but it can be seen as derogatory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is mestiza. The masculine plural form is mestizos and the feminine plural form is mestizas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mesˈtiθo/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the term mestizo is often tied to the national identity and the myth of the 'Cosmic Race' described by philosopher José Vasconcelos.
- The term 'mestizo' was used in the Spanish colonial 'sistema de castas' to categorize people within a complex social hierarchy.
- In some literary contexts, mestizo is used metaphorically to describe things that are a blend of two different styles or cultures, such as music or architecture.
Examples in context
- Él es un mestizo de origen peruano.He is a mestizo of Peruvian origin.
- El joven mestizo vive en la ciudad.The young mestizo lives in the city.
- Ese hombre es un mestizo.That man is a mestizo.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a character in a history book.
- Elena¿Quién es el protagonista del libro?Who is the protagonist of the book?
- MateoEs un mestizo que viaja por el mundo.He is a mestizo who travels the world.
- ElenaMateo, ¿sabes de qué países es?Mateo, do you know which countries he is from?
- MateoNo estoy seguro de su historia.I am not sure of his history.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mestizo” translations and entries mestizo, mestiza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
