clan
“clan” means “clan” in Spanish (large family or tribal group).
clan, clique
Also: faction, tribe
📝 In Action
El viejo jefe del clan familiar decidió vender las tierras.
B2The old chief of the family clan decided to sell the lands.
Hay un clan de programadores muy influyente en esa empresa.
C1There is a very influential clique of programmers in that company.
Los clanes escoceses tienen una historia rica y compleja.
B2Scottish clans have a rich and complex history.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: clan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'clan' correctly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word is a borrowing from English (or French), which itself comes from the Scottish Gaelic word 'clann,' meaning 'children' or 'family.' It spread globally due to its historical association with the social structure of Scotland.
First recorded: Mid-19th century in Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'clan' used often in everyday conversation?
It is used, but perhaps not as frequently as 'grupo' or 'familia.' When 'clan' is used, it often emphasizes the strong, exclusive, or tribal nature of the group, especially in news reports or commentary.
Does 'clan' always refer to a family?
No. While its historical meaning is related to family and lineage, today it is often used metaphorically to describe any group of people who stick together very closely and share common goals, like a political faction or a clique of friends.