humano
/oo-MAH-no/
human
This image illustrates the adjective humano, relating to characteristics common among people, such as connection and cooperation.
humano(Adjective)
human
?Relating to people or their characteristics.
humane
?Showing kindness, compassion, or sympathy.
,mortal
?Subject to death, as opposed to divine.
📝 In Action
El cuerpo humano es una máquina increíble.
A2The human body is an incredible machine.
Cometer errores es muy humano.
B1Making mistakes is very human.
Es necesario un trato más humano para los refugiados.
B2A more humane treatment for refugees is necessary.
💡 Grammar Points
Making Adjectives Match
In Spanish, words that describe things (adjectives) must match the thing they're describing. 'Humano' changes to 'humana' for feminine things, 'humanos' for multiple masculine things, and 'humanas' for multiple feminine things. For example: 'el niño humano' (the human boy), 'la niña humana' (the human girl).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: "La especie humano es fascinante."
Correction: La especie humana es fascinante. Because 'especie' (species) is a feminine word, you need to use the feminine form 'humana' to match it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Two Shades of Meaning
'Humano' can simply mean 'related to people,' like in 'el cerebro humano' (the human brain). But it can also mean 'kind' or 'compassionate,' just like the word 'humane' in English. The situation will tell you which meaning is intended.
The noun humano refers simply to a person.
📝 In Action
El ser humano es un ser social por naturaleza.
B1The human being is a social being by nature.
Los primeros humanos usaban herramientas de piedra.
B1The first humans used stone tools.
A veces no entiendo a los humanos.
A2Sometimes I don't understand humans.
💡 Grammar Points
Referring to People in General
When you want to talk about humans as a species or people in general, you'll often use the plural form: 'los humanos'. For example, 'Los humanos necesitan agua para vivir' (Humans need water to live).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'ser humano' for Individuals
While you can technically say 'un humano' to mean 'a human,' it's much more natural and common to say 'un ser humano'. Think of 'ser humano' as the standard way to say 'human being'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: humano
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'humano' to describe a quality (like being kind or fallible), rather than just identifying something as human?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'humano' and 'ser humano'?
Think of 'ser humano' as the complete phrase for 'human being.' While you can sometimes use 'humano' by itself as a noun ('un humano'), it's much more common and sounds more natural to say 'un ser humano' when talking about a single person.
How do I know when 'humano' means 'humane'?
It's all about the situation! If you're talking about biology or science (like 'el cuerpo humano'), it means 'human.' If you're talking about actions, feelings, or behavior (like 'un trato humano' - a humane treatment), it often means 'humane' or 'compassionate.'