individuo
/in-dee-VEE-dwo/
individual
This illustration depicts individuo meaning individual or a single person.
📝 In Action
Cada individuo tiene derecho a la libre expresión.
B1Every individual has the right to free expression.
El estudio analizó las preferencias de mil individuos.
B2The study analyzed the preferences of a thousand individuals.
Necesitamos un individuo con experiencia en este campo.
B1We need a person with experience in this field.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Note
Even though 'individuo' is a masculine word, it can refer to a woman or a man. For example, 'Ella es un individuo muy talentoso' (She is a very talented individual).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Using 'individua' to refer to a woman."
Correction: The word 'individuo' is always masculine ('el individuo'), regardless of the gender of the person it refers to. Do not change the ending.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
While accurate, 'individuo' is often slightly more formal or technical than simply using 'persona' (person).
In informal contexts, individuo is used to casually refer to a man, like calling him a guy.
individuo(noun)
guy
?casual reference to a man
,fellow
?a man of unknown identity
character
?a suspicious or peculiar person
📝 In Action
¿Quién es ese individuo que está mirando por la ventana?
B2Who is that guy looking through the window?
Llamaron a la policía por un individuo sospechoso en la calle.
C1They called the police about a suspicious character on the street.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
In informal settings, using 'individuo' often carries a tone of slight distance, mystery, or even suspicion, especially when referring to someone you don't know or like. It's similar to saying 'that character' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: individuo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'individuo' in its more informal/suspicious sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'individuo' the same as 'persona'?
They are often interchangeable, but 'individuo' is generally used in more formal, scientific, or statistical contexts (like 'a group of individuals'). 'Persona' is the most common, everyday word for 'person' or 'human being.'
Can I use 'individuo' to refer to a woman?
Yes, you can! Although 'individuo' is a masculine noun (el individuo), it is used universally to refer to any single person, male or female. You never change it to *individua*.