norteamericano
“norteamericano” means “North American” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
North American, American
Also: U.S.
📝 In Action
Me gusta mucho la literatura norteamericana.
A2I really like North American literature.
El equipo norteamericano ganó la medalla de oro.
B1The American team won the gold medal.
Ella tiene un acento norteamericano muy claro.
B1She has a very clear North American accent.
North American, American
📝 In Action
Ese chico es norteamericano.
A1That boy is American.
Muchos norteamericanos visitan España en verano.
A2Many North Americans visit Spain in the summer.
Soy norteamericana, de Nueva York.
A1I am American, from New York.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: norteamericano
Question 1 of 3
Which word is the most precise for someone specifically from the United States?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
A combination of the Spanish words 'norte' (north) and 'América' (the continent), followed by the ending '-ano' which is used to show where someone is from.
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'norteamericano' include Canadians?
Technically, yes, because Canada is in North America. However, in conversation, Spanish speakers almost always use it to refer to people from the USA. For a Canadian, they usually say 'canadiense'.
Why shouldn't I just say 'americano'?
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'América' is taught as one single continent. Therefore, anyone from Argentina to Canada is 'americano'. Using it only for the U.S. can sometimes be seen as excluding everyone else in the hemisphere.
Is 'yanki' offensive?
It can be. While sometimes used playfully, it often carries a slightly negative or informal tone depending on the country and the speaker's intent. 'Norteamericano' is much safer.