español
/espaˈɲol/
The Spanish phrase for "spanish man" is español.
When you want to specifically refer to a "Spanish man" as a noun phrase, you typically use the phrase hombre español.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the people being described. Use española if you are describing a woman, and use españoles when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group. In a standard noun phrase for "Spanish man", the adjective español typically follows the noun hombre.
How do you pronounce it?
/espaˈɲol/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Unlike in English, adjectives of nationality like español are not capitalized in Spanish unless they start a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word español is thought to be linked to a Punic term meaning 'coast of hyraxes', through a back-formation of the name for Spain.
- Before the word español became common, people in the Iberian Peninsula often identified themselves as cristianos rather than by a specific nationality.
Examples in context
- ¿Has visto al chico español con la camiseta roja?Have you seen the Spanish guy in the red shirt?
- Aquel es un español.That is a Spanish man.
- Él es un español muy amable.He is a very kind Spanish man.
- Necesitamos un español para el grupo.We need a Spanish man for the group.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new coworker at the office.
- Alejandro¿Conoces al nuevo compañero?Do you know the new coworker?
- ElenaSí, es un español.Yes, he is a Spanish man.
- AlejandroÉl parece muy inteligente.He seems very intelligent.
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, es muy capaz.Yes, Alejandro, he is very capable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry español, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, CC BY-SA 4.0.
