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étnico

EHT-nee-kohˈetniko

“étnico” means “ethnic” in Spanish (relating to cultural, national, or religious identity).

ethnic

Also: folk / tribal
A group of diverse people wearing traditional colorful clothing from different cultures, standing together in a friendly circle.

📝 In Action

Me encanta probar la comida étnica de diferentes países.

A2

I love trying ethnic food from different countries.

La ciudad tiene una gran diversidad étnica y cultural.

B1

The city has a great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Ella lleva un vestido con un diseño étnico muy bonito.

B2

She is wearing a dress with a very beautiful ethnic design.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • grupo étnico – ethnic group
  • minoría étnica – ethnic minority
  • estilo étnico – ethnic style

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: étnico

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'ethnic food' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
etnia(ethnic group / ethnicity) — Noun
etnicidad(ethnicity) — Noun
multiétnico(multiethnic) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
técnicorítmico
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'ethnikos', which was used to describe people of the same nation or culture.

First recorded: 19th century (modern usage)

Cognates (Related words)

English: ethnicFrench: ethniqueItalian: etnico

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'étnico' considered offensive?

No, it is a neutral term used to describe cultural heritage. However, like in English, it is always best to be specific about a culture if you know it (e.g., 'cultura maya' instead of just 'étnico').

Can I use 'étnico' to describe a person?

Generally, you describe a person's background using 'etnia' (e.g., 'su etnia es...') or say they belong to a 'grupo étnico'. Calling a person 'una persona étnica' is less common in Spanish than in English.

Does the plural form have an accent too?

Yes! Whether it's singular (étnico/étnica) or plural (étnicos/étnicas), the accent stays on the 'é'.