indígena
“indígena” means “indigenous” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
indigenous
Also: native
📝 In Action
Me encanta visitar las comunidades indígenas.
A2I love visiting indigenous communities.
El náhuatl es una lengua indígena de México.
B1Nahuatl is an indigenous language of Mexico.
Es vital proteger el conocimiento indígena sobre la selva.
B2It is vital to protect indigenous knowledge about the jungle.
indigenous person
Also: native
📝 In Action
El guía es un indígena que conoce muy bien la montaña.
B1The guide is an indigenous person who knows the mountain very well.
Una indígena guatemalteca ganó el Premio Nobel de la Paz.
B1A Guatemalan indigenous woman won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Los indígenas de esta región luchan por sus tierras.
B2The indigenous people of this region are fighting for their lands.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "indígena" in Spanish:
indigenous person→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: indígena
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'the indigenous men' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'indigĕna,' which combines 'indu' (inside/within) and 'gignere' (to be born/beget). Essentially, it describes someone 'born inside' the land.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use the word 'indio'?
In many places, 'indio' can be offensive or seen as a mistake from colonial times. 'Indígena' is the safer, more respectful choice.
Does 'indígena' change to 'indígeno' for males?
No, it never changes. It always ends in 'a', just like the words 'artista' or 'dentista'.
What is the difference between 'indígena' and 'indigente'?
They sound similar but are totally different! 'Indígena' means native/indigenous. 'Indigente' means someone who is very poor or homeless.