Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sudamérica | /sudaˈmeɾika/ | feminine |
| América del Sur | /aˌmeɾika del ˈsuɾ/ | feminine |
| Suramérica | /suɾaˈmeɾika/ | feminine |
| América Meridional | /aˌmeɾika meɾidjoˈnal/ | feminine |
The terms are used to name the continent that is the southern part of the Americas. Sudamérica is a very common, single-word way to refer to the continent in everyday speech and journalism. The term sudaca is a slang term that is informal and derogatory associated with South America and should be avoided.
What does it mean word for word?
América del Sur literally translates to America of the South.
Which one should you use?
América del Sur is often used in more formal or geographical contexts compared to the more compact Sudamérica.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Andean countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela, it is common to refer to South America as América del Sur. Chileans often use the term Sudamérica to refer to South America.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of the name for South America are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/sudaˈmeɾika/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often view the world as one single continent called América, meaning Sudamérica is a sub-region rather than a separate continent.
- The formal term América Meridional uses a word derived from the Latin 'merīdiōnālis', which refers to the midday sun being in the south.
- In formal geography or academic texts, you may encounter the term América Meridional, which uses a more sophisticated adjective for 'southern'.
Examples in context
- Brasil está en América del Sur.Brazil is in South America.This sentence shows the location of Brazil in relation to América del Sur.Tatoeba #3324073 by gianich73, translation #9548541 by PDotAlex
- Se les necesitaba en Sudamérica.They were needed in South America.This sentence shows a need for people in Sudamérica.Tatoeba #11682912 by Seael, translation #802356 by Source_VOA
- Paraguay es un país de Sudamérica.Paraguay is a country in South America.This sentence identifies Paraguay as a country within Sudamérica.Tatoeba #570975 by Leono, translation #477214 by CK
- El continente de Sudamérica es rico en diversidad cultural y natural.The continent of South America is rich in cultural and natural diversity.
- Argentina es un país ubicado en América del SurArgentina is a country located in South America
- Las maravillas naturales de Sudamérica son innumerables.The natural wonders of South America are countless.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing their travel plans.
- ElenaQuiero viajar por Sudamérica el próximo año.I want to travel through South America next year.
- JavierEs una idea genial, Elena.That is a great idea, Elena.
- Elena¿Qué países de Sudamérica me recomiendas visitar?Which countries in South America do you recommend I visit?
- JavierTe sugiero empezar por Perú y Chile.I suggest you start with Peru and Chile.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “south america” translations and entries Sudamérica, América del Sur, Suramérica, América Meridional, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries América, del, meridional, sur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
