Which one should you use?
While gente refers to a collective group or 'the public', personas is the plural of person and is used when counting individuals or referring to specific human beings. For a more formal way to refer to people as a whole or as individuals, you can use Las personas. If you are speaking in a civic or political context regarding citizens, use Los ciudadanos.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Gente is a singular feminine noun. This means it must be used with singular verbs and singular adjectives. For example, you would say la gente es rather than using a plural verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxente/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because 'people' is plural in English, speakers often mistakenly use a plural verb with gente in Spanish. Do not say la gente son. Instead, use the singular form such as la gente es.
Did you know?
- The word gentuza is derived from gente but is used exclusively as a derogatory term to describe 'trashy' or contemptible people.
- The word gente shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'gentle', both originating from the Latin 'gentilis' meaning of the same clan or stock.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, mi gente is used as a term of endearment or solidarity to refer to one's own community, ethnic group or close friends.
Examples in context
- Odio a la gente.I hate people.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike of people using gente.Tatoeba #2094590 by Shishir, translation #4058575 by B_C
- Gusto a la gente.People like me.This sentence is useful for expressing that people like the subject using gente.Tatoeba #6694340 by arh, translation #4397587 by CK
- La gente es buena.People are good.This sentence is useful for describing the character of people using gente.Tatoeba #1546443 by marcelostockle, translation #1120808 by cntrational
- Las personas son amablesPeople are kind
- La gente está esperandoThe people are waiting
- Voy a salir con la peñaI'm going out with the gang
- Esa persona es muy simpáticaThat person is very friendly
- El doctor atiende a muchas personas diariamenteThe doctor sees many people every day
- 1365 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are walking through a crowded market.
- ElenaHay mucha gente aquí.There are many people here.
- JavierSí, el mercado está lleno.Yes, the market is full.
- Elena¿Te gusta caminar entre la gente?Do you like walking among the people?
- JavierNo, prefiero los lugares tranquilos.No, I prefer quiet places.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “people” translations and entries gente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
