individuo
“individuo” means “individual” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
individual, 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.
guy, fellow
Also: character
📝 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: individuo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'individuo' in its more informal/suspicious sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *individuus*, which means 'indivisible' or 'that which cannot be divided.' This root emphasizes the idea of a single, complete unit—a person.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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*.