india
“india” means “Indian” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Indian
Also: a woman from India
📝 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.
indigenous woman
Also: Native American woman
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "india" in Spanish:
indigenous woman→✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the geographical naming convention established by Christopher Columbus, who mistakenly believed he had reached the East Indies (Asia) when he arrived in the Americas. This confusion led to the native peoples of the Americas being called 'indios' (and 'indias' for women).
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish usage related to the Americas)
Cognates (Related words)
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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No, but it is often considered outdated or potentially offensive, depending on the region and the speaker's intent.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.