ancestros

an-SESS-trohs/anˈsestɾos/

“ancestros” means “ancestors” in Spanish (General family lineage).

ancestors

Also: forebears, forefathers

NounmB1

A large, ancient oak tree with deep, visible roots and many branches, representing a family lineage.

📝 In Action

Mis ancestros llegaron a este país hace cien años.

My ancestors arrived in this country a hundred years ago.

Es importante conocer la cultura de nuestros ancestros.

It is important to know the culture of our ancestors.

Ella siente una conexión profunda con sus ancestros.

She feels a deep connection with her ancestors.

Word Connections

Synonyms

antepasados (ancestors/forefathers)
ascendientes (ascendants)

Antonyms

descendientes (descendants)
sucesores (successors)

Common Collocations

tierra de mis ancestros – land of my ancestors
honrar a los ancestros – to honor one's ancestors
linaje de ancestros – lineage of ancestors

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ancestros" in Spanish:

ancestors→forebears→forefathers→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ancestros

Question 1 of 2

If you are talking about your great-great-grandmother, is she one of your 'ancestros'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

ancestral(ancestral) — Adjective

ancestro(ancestor (singular)) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

maestros vuestros

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'antecessor', which describes someone who goes before others. It's built from 'ante' (before) and 'cedere' (to go).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: ancestorsFrench: ancêtresItalian: antenati

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ancestros' more formal than 'abuelos'?

Yes. 'Abuelos' specifically means grandparents. 'Ancestros' refers to everyone in your family line who lived before you, including people from hundreds of years ago.

Can I use 'ancestra' for a female ancestor?

No. In Spanish, the word 'ancestro' is always masculine, even when referring to a woman. You would say 'Ella es uno de mis ancestros'.