extraterrestres
“extraterrestres” means “aliens” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
aliens
Also: extraterrestrials
📝 In Action
Los niños creen que los extraterrestres vienen en platillos voladores.
B1The children believe that aliens come in flying saucers.
El gobierno negó haber tenido contacto con extraterrestres en la década de los 70.
B2The government denied having contact with extraterrestrials in the 70s.
extraterrestrial
Also: alien
📝 In Action
Los meteoritos son rocas extraterrestres que caen a la Tierra.
B2Meteorites are extraterrestrial rocks that fall to Earth.
La posibilidad de otras civilizaciones extraterrestres es fascinante.
C1The possibility of other extraterrestrial civilizations is fascinating.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: extraterrestres
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'extraterrestres' to describe something, rather than naming the beings themselves?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
A clear combination of two Latin roots: the prefix 'extra-' meaning 'outside of' or 'beyond,' and the word 'terrestre,' which relates to 'terra' meaning 'Earth' or 'land.' The word literally means 'beyond the Earth.'
First recorded: Modern scientific usage (20th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'one alien'?
You use the singular form, 'un extraterrestre' (masculine) or 'una extraterrestre' (feminine). The word itself stays the same regardless of gender.
Is this word formal or informal?
'Extraterrestres' is a neutral word. It is used in both serious scientific discussions and casual conversations about science fiction.