tejano
/teˈxano/
tejano is the Spanish term for a person of Mexican descent who lives in or is from Texas.
The term refers to individuals with roots in Mexico who are associated with the state of Texas.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to groups of people, use tejanos for a group of males or a mixed-gender group. Use tejanas specifically for a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈxano/
Did you know?
- The term is distinct from 'texano', which is the Spanish word for a person from Texas regardless of their ethnicity. A 'texano' might be of German or Anglo descent, while a 'tejano' is specifically of Mexican heritage.
- Tejano is the name of a distinct genre of accordion-based music that blends Spanish, German and Czech influences.
- In historical contexts, tejanos were key figures in the Texas Revolution, fighting alongside Anglo settlers for independence from Mexico.
Examples in context
- Soy Chicano y estoy orgulloso de mis raíces mexicanas y tejanas.I am Chicano, and I am proud of my Mexican and Texan roots.
- Él es un músico tejano muy famoso.He is a very famous Tejano musician.
- Mi abuelo era un tejano de pura cepa.My grandfather was a true Texan of Mexican descent.
- Muchos tejanos viven en San Antonio.Many Tejanos live in San Antonio.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a local cultural festival.
- María¿Vas a ir al festival de música tejano?Are you going to the Tejano music festival?
- JavierSí, me encanta la cultura de la región.Yes, I love the culture of the region.
- MaríaJavier, ¿conoces a algún grupo local?Javier, do you know any local groups?
- JavierConozco a varios que tocan muy bien.I know several that play very well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tejano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
