tribu
/TREE-boo/
tribe
A visual representation of tribu meaning 'tribe,' emphasizing a distinct ethnic or cultural group.
📝 In Action
Las antiguas tribus se dedicaban a la caza y la recolección.
B1The ancient tribes were dedicated to hunting and gathering.
El gobierno reconoció los derechos territoriales de la tribu indígena.
B2The government recognized the territorial rights of the indigenous tribe.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though 'tribu' ends in the vowel 'u', it is always feminine. You must use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: "El tribu es grande."
Correction: La tribu es grande. (Remember it is feminine, even if it refers to a group of people.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
This word is often found in history books or documentaries when discussing pre-modern societies or indigenous groups.
Here, tribu means 'crowd' or large social group, illustrated by many people gathered closely together.
tribu(noun)
crowd
?social group/following
,crew
?group of friends
following
?supporters of a movement
📝 In Action
Me voy de vacaciones con mi tribu de amigos de la universidad.
B2I'm going on vacation with my crew of friends from the university.
Cada uno tiene su propia tribu urbana: los góticos, los hipsters...
C1Everyone has their own urban tribe (subculture): the Goths, the hipsters...
💡 Grammar Points
Metaphorical Use
In modern Spanish, 'tribu' often implies a sense of deep loyalty and shared identity, much like the English phrase 'my people' or 'my crew'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Natural
Use this meaning when talking about a group you feel very close to and share interests with, especially in casual conversation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tribu
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es el artículo correcto para usar con 'tribu'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'tribu' always feminine, even if it refers to a group of men?
Yes, 'tribu' is grammatically a feminine noun (la tribu), regardless of the gender of the people within the group. The word itself determines the gender of the articles and adjectives used with it.
Can I use 'tribu' to mean 'team' or 'squad'?
While 'tribu' implies a strong bond, 'equipo' (team) or 'escuadrón' (squad) are better and more direct translations for organized sports or work groups. Use 'tribu' when emphasizing shared culture, lifestyle, or deep friendship.