Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| español | /espaˈɲol/ | masculine |
| española | /espaˈɲola/ | feminine |
| españolete | /espaɲoˈlete/ | masculine |
| españoleta | /espaɲoleta/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| teul | /teul/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
This term refers to a person from Spain. Depending on the context, español can refer to a male Spaniard or to the Spanish language itself.
Which one should you use?
While español is the standard term for a male Spaniard or the language, española specifically refers to a female Spaniard. If you want to speak affectionately about a male or female Spaniard, you might use the colloquial forms españolito or españolita.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
español and española are the standard, neutral forms. In contrast, españolete (masculine) and españoleta (feminine) are slang terms used in a derogatory way to describe a Spaniard.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. Use español for a male Spaniard, española for a female Spaniard and españoles when referring to a group of Spaniards.
How do you pronounce it?
/espaˈɲol/
Did you know?
- Some historical theories suggest the root of the name for Spain traces back to a Punic phrase meaning 'coast of hyraxes'.
- While modern speakers use español for their identity, many people in the medieval period identified themselves primarily as cristianos rather than by their nationality.
- The word españolete uses the suffix -ete, which in Spanish often turns a standard word into a derogatory or mocking slang term.
Examples in context
- ¿Tu padre es español?Is your father a Spaniard?This sentence uses español to ask about someone's nationality.Tatoeba #10223398 by Shishir, translation #7766820 by sharris123
- Trabajo con un español.I'm working with a Spaniard.This sentence uses español to refer to a male person being worked with.Tatoeba #619669 by Shishir, translation #4111520 by Eldad
- Magda se casa con un español.Magda marries a Spaniard.This sentence uses español to refer to a man a person is marrying.Tatoeba #594543 by Shishir, translation #383652 by Dorenda
- Mi amigo es español.My friend is Spanish.
- Mis amigos son españoles.My friends are Spanish.
- Nuestra vecina es española.Our neighbor is Spanish.
- Mi hermanito es un españolito encantador.My little brother is a charming little Spaniard.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about a new colleague.
- DanielNuestro nuevo jefe es español.Our new boss is a Spaniard.
- Sofía¿De qué ciudad es él?What city is he from?
- DanielCreo que es de Madrid.I think he is from Madrid.
- SofíaQué bien, me encanta Madrid.That's great, I love Madrid.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spaniard” translations and entries español, española, españolete, 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 español, españolete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
