estadounidenses
/es-ta-doh-oo-nee-DEN-ses/
Americans
Estadounidenses refers to citizens or inhabitants of the United States, often translated as Americans.
estadounidenses(Noun)
Americans
?Citizens or inhabitants of the United States
U.S. citizens
?Formal reference to nationality
📝 In Action
Muchos estadounidenses viajan a Europa en verano.
B1Many Americans travel to Europe in the summer.
Las estadounidenses que conocimos eran muy amables.
B2The American women we met were very kind.
Los estadounidenses prefieren el café filtrado al espresso.
B1Americans prefer filtered coffee to espresso.
💡 Grammar Points
One Form for Both Genders
This word is the same whether you are talking about men, women, or a mixed group: 'los estadounidenses' (men/mixed) and 'las estadounidenses' (women).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Americanos' Too Broadly
Mistake: "Using 'americano' when referring only to U.S. citizens in formal contexts."
Correction: 'Estadounidense' is clearer and more respectful, as 'americano' technically refers to anyone from the entire American continent.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'estadounidenses' in writing, news, and formal conversation. In very casual talk, people sometimes use 'americanos', but be mindful that this can be imprecise.
When used as an adjective, estadounidenses describes things related to the U.S., such as policies, laws, or cultural elements. (Plural form).
estadounidenses(Adjective)
U.S.
?Describing policies, laws, or culture (plural)
American
?Describing plural items from the U.S.
📝 In Action
Las políticas estadounidenses han cambiado mucho este año.
B2U.S. policies have changed a lot this year.
Muchos productos estadounidenses son populares aquí.
B1Many American products are popular here.
Los coches deportivos estadounidenses suelen ser muy grandes.
B2American sports cars are usually very large.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement Rule
As an adjective, 'estadounidenses' must match the noun it describes in number. Since this word is already plural, it only modifies plural nouns (e.g., 'empresas' or 'productos').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Plural Ending
Mistake: "Saying 'las políticas estadounidense' (singular adjective with plural noun)."
Correction: Always include the final '-s' to match the plural noun: 'las políticas estadounidenses'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement
Like most Spanish adjectives of nationality, 'estadounidenses' usually comes after the noun it describes: 'las costumbres estadounidenses'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estadounidenses
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'estadounidenses' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'estadounidense' y 'americano'?
'Estadounidense' is the precise, formal, and neutral way to refer to someone or something from the United States. 'Americano' refers to anyone from the continent of America (North, Central, or South). While many people use 'americano' informally for U.S. citizens, 'estadounidense' is always clearer and less ambiguous.
Why is the word so long?
It's long because it combines two words—'Estado' and 'Unido'—into one descriptive term. Think of it as a single, combined nationality word that clearly marks the origin as 'United States'.