americano

/ah-meh-ree-KAH-noh/

American

A simple illustration showing the connected landmasses of North and South America floating in the ocean.

Relating to the continent of America (North, Central, and South).

americano(Adjective)

mA2

American

Relating to the continent of America (North, Central, and South)

Also:

of the Americas

Geographical/Historical reference

📝 In Action

El continente americano es el segundo más grande del mundo.

The American continent is the second largest in the world.

Los países americanos tienen una gran diversidad cultural.

The American countries have great cultural diversity.

💡 Grammar Points

Changing Gender

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'americano' must match the gender of the noun: 'el continente americano' (masculine) but 'la cultura americana' (feminine).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up the Continent

Mistake: "Pensé que americano solo significaba de EE. UU."

Correction: In Spanish, 'americano' often refers to the entire continent (North, Central, and South America). This is the most geographically accurate use.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Caution

While geographically correct, this term can be ambiguous. Context is key, especially when talking to people from different countries in the continent.

A simple drawing of a Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States, perched on a branch.

Relating to the United States of America (U.S.).

americano(Adjective)

mB1

American

Relating to the United States of America (U.S.)

Also:

As an abbreviation for the country

📝 In Action

Mi amigo tiene doble nacionalidad: es mexicano y americano.

My friend has dual nationality: he is Mexican and American (from the U.S.).

Compramos un coche americano.

We bought an American car (a U.S. manufactured car).

💡 Grammar Points

Alternative Word

To avoid confusion, many Spanish speakers prefer using 'estadounidense' when specifically referring to things or people from the United States.

⭐ Usage Tips

Choosing the Right Term

If you are speaking about the USA, using 'estadounidense' is clearer and more universally accepted, especially in formal writing or educational settings.

A tall glass mug containing a dark coffee drink, known as an Americano, resting on a wooden surface.

A type of coffee drink, often called an Americano.

americano(Noun)

mA2

Americano

Type of coffee

Also:

long black

Coffee terminology in some regions

📝 In Action

¿Quieres un americano o un espresso?

Do you want an Americano or an espresso?

Pide un americano con leche desnatada.

Order an Americano with skim milk.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

café americano – Americano coffee
americano frío – Iced Americano

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: americano

Question 1 of 1

Which of these sentences uses 'americano' in its broadest, continental meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

América(America (the continent)) - noun

americana(American (feminine)) - adjective

estadounidense(person/thing from the U.S.) - adjective/noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude to call someone from the U.S. 'americano'?

Generally, no, but it can be confusing or sometimes considered imprecise by people from other countries in the Americas (like Mexico, Chile, or Canada) who also identify as 'americanos' by continent. Using 'estadounidense' is the safest and clearest option.

How do I make 'americano' feminine or plural?

To make it feminine, change the -o to -a (americana). To make it plural, add -s (americanos, americanas). For example: 'las costumbres americanas' (the American customs).