americanos
/ah-meh-ree-KAH-nohs/
American
The adjective 'americanos' can refer to anything relating to the continents of the Americas.
americanos(adjective)
American
?Relating to the US or the continents of the Americas
of the Americas
?Continental reference
📝 In Action
Los coches americanos son muy grandes y potentes.
A1American cars are very big and powerful.
Estudiamos la historia de los movimientos sociales americanos.
B1We studied the history of American social movements (continental context).
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'americanos' is plural and masculine, it must describe a plural masculine noun (e.g., 'los productos'). If you were describing feminine things (like 'las ciudades'), you would use 'americanas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Los películas americanos (using masculine adjective with feminine noun)."
Correction: Las películas americanas (the adjective must match the noun 'películas').
⭐ Usage Tips
Specificity is Key
In Spanish, 'americano' often refers to the entire hemisphere (North, Central, and South America). If you specifically mean something related to the United States, you might use 'estadounidense' for clarity, though 'americano' is still common.
As a noun, 'americanos' refers to a group of male or mixed-gender people from the United States.
americanos(noun)
Americans
?Male people or a mixed group of people from the US
people from the Americas
?Continental context
📝 In Action
Los americanos que conocí en el viaje eran muy amables.
A1The Americans (men or mixed group) I met on the trip were very kind.
Muchos americanos celebran el Día de Acción de Gracias.
A2Many Americans (US citizens) celebrate Thanksgiving.
💡 Grammar Points
Referring to Mixed Groups
In Spanish, when referring to a group of people that includes both men and women, the masculine plural form ('americanos') is used. To refer only to women, you must use 'americanas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular Article
Mistake: "El americanos (using singular article with plural noun)."
Correction: Los americanos (use the plural article 'los' since 'americanos' is plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
The Continental View
Remember that for Spanish speakers, 'americanos' often includes Canadians, Mexicans, Brazilians, and everyone else living on the continents of the Americas. If you are a US citizen, be prepared to clarify, or use 'estadounidense' if you feel the context is confusing.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: americanos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'americanos' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'americanos' always refer to people from the United States?
No. While it is often used that way, especially in Spain, in many Spanish-speaking countries, 'americanos' refers to anyone from the continents of North, Central, or South America. If you want to be crystal clear about US citizens, use 'estadounidenses'.
Is there a difference between 'americanos' and 'americanas'?
Yes. 'Americanos' refers to men or a mixed group of men and women. 'Americanas' refers exclusively to women.