tribal
tree-bahl
📝 In Action
Las estructuras sociales tribales son muy diferentes de las occidentales.
B2Tribal social structures are very different from Western ones.
La música tribal se caracteriza por el uso de tambores y flautas.
B1Tribal music is characterized by the use of drums and flutes.
Algunos analistas critican la política moderna por su comportamiento tribal.
C1Some analysts criticize modern politics for its tribal behavior (excessive loyalty to one side).
💡 Grammar Points
Gender is Simple
Since 'tribal' ends in -l, it doesn't change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine. You use the same form for 'el' and 'la' nouns (e.g., 'la danza tribal', 'el líder tribal').
Forming the Plural
To make 'tribal' plural, you simply add -es: 'tribales' (e.g., 'pueblos tribales').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Plural
Mistake: "Using 'tribals' (English pluralization) instead of the Spanish form."
Correction: Always remember the Spanish plural for adjectives ending in -L is '-es': 'tribales'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
You can use 'tribal' metaphorically to criticize modern groups (like sports fans or political parties) that are too focused on their own group and ignore outsiders, similar to how we use 'clannish' in English.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tribal
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the plural form of 'tribal'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'tribal' change its form for masculine and feminine nouns?
No, it doesn't! 'Tribal' is one of those helpful Spanish adjectives that stays the same whether it describes a masculine noun (el líder tribal) or a feminine noun (la danza tribal). It only changes to 'tribales' for the plural.
Is 'tribal' only used for ancient cultures?
Not always. While it often refers to indigenous or historical groups, it is also frequently used in modern journalism and social commentary to describe intense, often hostile, loyalty to a modern group, like a political party or faction.