Inklingo

How to Say "americans" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “americans” is “americanos” — use 'americanos' when referring to male individuals or a mixed-gender group of people from the United States, or more broadly, people from the American continents..

English → Spanish

americanos

ah-meh-ree-KAH-nohs/a.me.ɾiˈka.nos/

nounA1general
Use 'americanos' when referring to male individuals or a mixed-gender group of people from the United States, or more broadly, people from the American continents.
Three smiling people, two men and one woman, standing casually together, representing a mixed group of Americans.

Examples

Los americanos que conocí en el viaje eran muy amables.

The Americans (men or mixed group) I met on the trip were very kind.

Muchos americanos celebran el Día de Acción de Gracias.

Many Americans (US citizens) celebrate Thanksgiving.

Referring to Mixed Groups

In Spanish, when referring to a group of people that includes both men and women, the masculine plural form ('americanos') is used. To refer only to women, you must use 'americanas'.

Using the Singular Article

Mistake: “El americanos (using singular article with plural noun).”

Correction: Los americanos (use the plural article 'los' since 'americanos' is plural).

estadounidenses

es-ta-doh-oo-nee-DEN-ses/estaðouni'ðenses/

nounB1general
Use 'estadounidenses' specifically to refer to citizens or inhabitants of the United States, emphasizing their nationality.
A diverse group of three friendly, smiling people standing together, holding small flags of the United States.

Examples

Muchos estadounidenses viajan a Europa en verano.

Many Americans travel to Europe in the summer.

Las estadounidenses que conocimos eran muy amables.

The American women we met were very kind.

Los estadounidenses prefieren el café filtrado al espresso.

Americans prefer filtered coffee to espresso.

One Form for Both Genders

This word is the same whether you are talking about men, women, or a mixed group: 'los estadounidenses' (men/mixed) and 'las estadounidenses' (women).

Using 'Americanos' Too Broadly

Mistake: “Using 'americano' when referring only to U.S. citizens in formal contexts.”

Correction: 'Estadounidense' is clearer and more respectful, as 'americano' technically refers to anyone from the entire American continent.

Specificity Matters: 'Americanos' vs. 'Estadounidenses'

The most common mistake is using 'americanos' when you specifically mean citizens of the United States. While 'americanos' can refer to US citizens, it can also broadly mean people from North or South America. To be precise about people from the USA, 'estadounidenses' is the preferred and unambiguous term.

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