alien

AH-lee-en/ˈaljen/

“alien” means “alien” in Spanish (creature from another planet).

Also: extraterrestrial

Latin AmericaSpain

📝 In Action

Mi película favorita trata de un alien que se pierde en la Tierra.

My favorite movie is about an alien who gets lost on Earth.

Los científicos buscan señales de vida alien en otros planetas.

Scientists are looking for signs of alien life on other planets.

El diseño del alien era muy aterrador y original.

The design of the alien was very scary and original.

Words that translate to "alien" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

What is the best word for a person from a different country in Spanish?

👥 Word Family▼

alienígena(alien (adjective/noun)) — Adjective

alienar(to alienate) — Verb

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From English 'alien', which comes from the Latin word 'alienus', meaning 'belonging to another' or 'strange'.

First recorded: 20th century (as a loanword)

Cognates (Related words)

English: alienFrench: aliéner

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Is 'alien' a 'real' Spanish word?

Yes, it is a loanword recognized by many speakers and common in modern dictionaries, though 'extraterrestre' is the traditional Spanish equivalent.

Should I say 'el alien' or 'el alienígena'?

Both work! 'Alien' is more informal and movie-related, while 'alienígena' is slightly more formal and can be used as both a noun and an adjective.

Can I use 'alien' to describe a strange person?

It is rare. To describe someone strange, use 'raro' or 'extraño'. 'Alien' is specifically for space life.