Inklingo

How to Say "citizen" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ciudadano

thiu-da-DHAH-noh (Spain) / siu-da-DHAH-noh (Latin America)/θjuðaˈðano/ (Spain) / /sjuðaˈðano/ (Latin America)

nounA2general
Use 'ciudadano' for the general legal member of a country or state, especially in democratic contexts.
A person standing proudly under a large, colorful national flag, symbolizing legal membership in a country.

Examples

Todo ciudadano mayor de edad puede votar.

Every adult citizen can vote.

Como ciudadano, tengo la obligación de pagar impuestos.

As a citizen, I have the obligation to pay taxes.

La policía buscaba al ciudadano que presenció el accidente.

The police were looking for the citizen who witnessed the accident.

Gender Change

This word changes based on who you are talking about. If you mean a male citizen, use 'ciudadano'. If you mean a female citizen, use 'ciudadana'.

Confusing Citizenship and Residency

Mistake: “Using 'ciudadano' when you only mean 'resident'.”

Correction: A 'ciudadano' has full legal rights (like voting), while an 'habitante' or 'residente' simply lives there. Use the correct term based on legal status.

súbdito

nounB2formal, historical
Use 'súbdito' specifically when referring to a person under the rule of a monarch, especially in a kingdom or empire.

Examples

Es un súbdito de la Corona británica.

He is a subject of the British Crown.

Ciudadano vs. Súbdito

Learners often use 'súbdito' when 'ciudadano' is more appropriate. Remember that 'súbdito' is tied to monarchies and historical contexts, while 'ciudadano' is the standard term for citizens in republics and modern democracies.

Related Translations

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