india
/IN-dee-ah/
Indian
This image represents 'india' (Indian), relating to the country India.
india(Adjective)
Indian
?Relating to the country India
a woman from India
?Used as a noun (demonym)
📝 In Action
Mi amiga es india; su familia vive en Nueva Delhi.
A1My friend is Indian; her family lives in New Delhi.
Me encanta la comida india, especialmente el curry.
A2I love Indian food, especially curry.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
As an adjective, 'india' must match the female noun it describes. If you were talking about a man, you would use 'indio'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'India' and 'Hindú'
Mistake: "Using 'hindú' to mean a person from India when you mean their nationality."
Correction: 'India' is the nationality (country of origin). 'Hindú' refers to the Hindu religion, though it is sometimes used casually for nationality in some regions.
This image represents 'india' (indigenous woman), referring to a woman native to the Americas.
india(Noun)
indigenous woman
?Native to the Americas
Native American woman
?Referring to indigenous populations
📝 In Action
La comunidad celebró la herencia de sus ancestros, las primeras indias de la región.
B2The community celebrated the heritage of their ancestors, the first indigenous women of the region.
El museo exhibe artefactos creados por una india de la civilización maya.
B1The museum exhibits artifacts created by an indigenous woman of the Mayan civilization.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Care (Sensitivity)
In many parts of Latin America, the word 'india' (and its masculine form 'indio') has historically been used in a derogatory way. For respectful and neutral communication, it is strongly recommended to use the alternative term 'indígena' (indigenous) or 'persona originaria' (native person) instead.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: india
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'india' in the most respectful and preferred modern context for people native to the Americas?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'india' always offensive when referring to Native American people?
No, but it is often considered outdated or potentially offensive, depending on the region and the speaker's intent. Because of its history, it's safer and more respectful to use 'indígena' (indigenous) instead, especially in formal or new settings.
How do I distinguish between a woman from India (the country) and an indigenous woman?
Context is key! If you are talking about someone from Asia, 'india' refers to the country. If you are talking about the native peoples of the Americas, it's usually clear from the context (e.g., 'cultura india americana'). When in doubt about the Americas, use 'indígena' to be clearer and more respectful.