tribu
/ˈtɾibu/feminine
The English word "tribe" is translated into Spanish as tribu.
tribu refers to a group of people.
Meaning: group of people (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico, El pueblo can be used to refer to a tribe or community.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun tribu is feminine, meaning it is preceded by the feminine article la to say "the tribe". The plural form of tribu is tribus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɾibu/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of tribu originally referred to a division of the Roman people rather than an ethnic group. It is the source of the English word 'tribute', which evolved from the idea of a group paying a specific tax or contribution.
- In modern Spanish slang, especially in Spain, the word tribu is often used to describe an 'urban tribe' tribu urbana. This refers to youth subcultures like goths, emos or skaters rather than ethnic groups.
- While tribu is a direct translation, Spanish speakers often prefer the word etnia when discussing identity in a formal or sociological context to avoid the colonial connotations associated with tribu.
Examples in context
- Pertenecemos a una tribu bereber.We belong to a Berber tribe.This sentence is useful for stating membership in a Berber tribu.Tatoeba #10095101 by manufrutos, translation #10094449 by Amastan
- Por aquel entonces allí vivía una tribu salvaje.A savage tribe lived there in those days.This sentence is useful for describing a historical context involving a tribu.Tatoeba #3742814 by Seael, translation #44723 by CM
- La tribu Zulu de Sudáfrica tiene su propia lengua.The Zulu tribe in South Africa has its own language.This sentence is useful for noting that a specific tribu has its own language.Tatoeba #1556782 by marcelostockle, translation #280793 by CM
- La tribu africana tiene una rica culturaThe African tribe has a rich culture
- Los mapuches son un grupo étnico de ChileThe Mapuches are an ethnic group in Chile
- La etnia wayúu habita en la península de La GuajiraThe Wayuu tribe inhabits the Guajira Peninsula
- ¡Hola, mi tribu! ¿Cómo están hoy?Hello, my tribe! How are you all today?
- Los huicholes son un pueblo indígena de MéxicoThe Huichol are an indigenous tribe of Mexico
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a documentary about indigenous groups.
- LucíaEsa tribu vive en la selva.That tribe lives in the jungle.
- Mateo¿Es una tribu muy pequeña?Is it a very small tribe?
- LucíaSí, la tribu es bastante reducida.Yes, the tribe is quite small.
- MateoParece un grupo fascinante.They seem like a fascinating group.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tribe” translations and entries tribu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tribu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
