esclavo
masculine
The word for "slave" in Mexican Spanish is esclavo for a man and esclava for a woman. The state itself is esclavitud, meaning slavery.
Meaning: person held in bondage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| esclavo | masculine |
| esclava | feminine |
It is used mainly in history, as in la esclavitud en la época colonial. In everyday talk it can be figurative, like ser esclavo del trabajo.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because the term is heavy, avoid using it as a casual joke about chores or work, as it can offend.
When do people say it?
Mexico abolished slavery in 1829 under President Vicente Guerrero, earlier than many other countries in the Americas.
Did you know?
- Vicente Guerrero, the second president of Mexico, was of mixed African and Indigenous ancestry and signed the abolition decree in 1829.
Examples in context
- La esclavitud fue abolida en México en 1829.Slavery was abolished in Mexico in 1829.
- Los esclavos trabajaban en las haciendas.The slaves worked on the estates.
- No quiero ser esclavo de mi celular.I do not want to be a slave to my phone.
Example conversation
Teacher Marisol and student Daniel talk about a history lesson in a school in Veracruz.
- MarisolDaniel, ¿qué sabes de la esclavitud en México?Daniel, what do you know about slavery in Mexico?
- DanielQue llegaron esclavos africanos a Veracruz.That African slaves arrived in Veracruz.
- MarisolCorrecto. Y se abolió en 1829.Correct. And it was abolished in 1829.
