nicaragüense
/nikaɾaˈɡwense/
The English word 'Nicaraguan' is translated into Spanish as nicaragüense. If unsure, use nicaragüense. Wiktionary also lists pinolero.
Meaning: person from Nicaragua (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nicaragüense | /nikaɾaˈɡwense/ | |
| pinolero | /pinoleɾo/ (from spelling rules) | informal |
The term is used to describe a person from Nicaragua or anything pertaining to the country.
Which one should you use?
nicaragüense is the standard term used for both the noun and the adjective. pinolero is a colloquial or informal alternative used to refer to someone from Nicaragua.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
nicaragüense is the formal way to refer to a Nicaraguan. pinolero is an informal or colloquial demonym, and nica is also an informal way to say 'Nicaraguan'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Some older Nicaraguans might use the term pinolero as a regional nickname.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word nicaragüense is an invariable noun and adjective, meaning it does not change based on gender. To form the plural, simply add -s to create nicaragüenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/nikaɾaˈɡwense/
Did you know?
- The double dots over the 'u' in nicaragüense are called a diéresis. This is a rare occurrence in Spanish where a mark is used specifically to force the pronunciation of a letter that would otherwise be silent.
- The colloquialism pinolero refers to a person's love for 'pinol', a traditional drink made from ground maize and cacao. It serves as a cultural badge of identity rather than just a simple nickname.
- The suffix -ense in nicaragüense is a common way to form demonyms in Spanish, appearing in many different nationalities. It is a linguistic pattern that helps identify origins across the Spanish-speaking world.
Examples in context
- Marcus es de Nicaragua. Es nicaragüense.Marcus is from Nicaragua. He is Nicaraguan.This sentence is useful for identifying a person's nationality using nicaragüense.Tatoeba #1110378 by alexmarcelo, translation #1110377 by frpzzd
- Gabriela es de Nicaragua. Es nicaragüense.Gabriela is from Nicaragua. She is Nicaraguan.Tatoeba #1110382 by alexmarcelo, translation #1110381 by frpzzd
- La embajadora es nicaragüense.The ambassador is Nicaraguan.
- Conocí a dos nicaragüenses en la conferencia.I met two Nicaraguans at the conference.
- Me encanta la cocina nicaragüense.I love Nicaraguan cuisine.
- Ayer vi una película nicaragüense muy interesante.Yesterday, I watched a very interesting Nicaraguan movie.
- Hoy voy a salir con dos nicas que conocí en la universidad.Today, I'm going out with two Nicaraguans I met at university.
- Los nicas son muy amigables y hospitalarios.Nicaraguans are very friendly and hospitable.
- La comida nica es deliciosa, especialmente el gallo pinto.Nicaraguan food is delicious, especially the gallo pinto.
- Mi amigo tiene una camiseta nica con la bandera de Nicaragua.My friend has a Nicaraguan t-shirt with the flag of Nicaragua.
- Mi mejor amigo es nicaragüense.My best friend is Nicaraguan.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new coworker.
- Elena¿El nuevo compañero es nicaragüense?Is the new coworker Nicaraguan?
- MateoSí, él es nicaragüense.Yes, he is Nicaraguan.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Me encanta su cultura.That's great! I love his culture.
- MateoÉl es una persona muy amable.He is a very kind person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nicaraguan” translations and entries nicaragüense, pinolero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nicaragüense, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
