panameño
/panaˈmeɲo/masculine
The Spanish word for Panamanian is panameño. Wiktionary also lists canalero.
Meaning: person from Panama (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| panameño | /panaˈmeɲo/ | masculine |
| canalero | /kanaˈleɾo/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a person from Panama or anything pertaining to Panama.
Which one should you use?
While panameño is the general term for a person from Panama, canalero is a more specific term used to refer to a canal worker or someone who is associated with the Panama Canal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. The masculine singular is panameño, and its feminine form is panameña. To refer to a group of Panamanian men or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural panameños. To refer specifically to a group of Panamanian women, use the feminine plural panameñas. Both panameño and canalero can function as both nouns and adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
/panaˈmeɲo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the slang word pana means 'friend' or 'pal'. This is a common colloquialism that sounds strikingly similar to the first two syllables of panameño.
- While panameño is the official demonym, you might hear locals call themselves canaleros to show pride in their connection to the canal. This term specifically links an individual's identity to the engineering marvel that defines the nation.
- The word panameño is formed by combining the name Panamá with the suffix -eño, which originates from the Latin -ēnus.
Examples in context
- Soy panameño.I'm Panamanian.This sentence is useful for expressing your own nationality using panameño.Tatoeba #9406227 by arh, translation #10241842 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Yo tengo un amigo panameño.I have a Panamanian friend.
- Ella es una panameña muy simpática.She is a very friendly Panamanian woman.
- Los profesionales panameños son reconocidos internacionalmente.Panamanian professionals are internationally recognized.
- Las panameñas están orgullosas de su cultura.Panamanian women are proud of their culture.
- Ese hombre es panameño.That man is Panamanian.
- El panameño ganó el concurso.The Panamanian won the contest.
Example conversation
At a local cafe in Panama City.
- Lucía¡Mira! Un panameño viene hacia aquí.Look! A Panamanian is coming this way.
- AlejandroEs un amigo de mi primo.He is a friend of my cousin.
- Lucía¿Él es panameño también?Is he Panamanian too?
- AlejandroSí, nació en la ciudad.Yes, he was born in the city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “panamanian” translations and entries panameño, canalero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canalero, panameño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
