How to Say "clan" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “clan” is “clan” — use 'clan' when referring to a large, often extended, family or a group with a shared lineage or strong internal bonds, like a business or social clan..
clan
/klan//klan/
Examples
El viejo jefe del clan familiar decidió vender las tierras.
The old chief of the family clan decided to sell the lands.
Hay un clan de programadores muy influyente en esa empresa.
There is a very influential clique of programmers in that company.
Los clanes escoceses tienen una historia rica y compleja.
Scottish clans have a rich and complex history.
Gender Rule
Even though 'clan' ends in 'n' and refers to a group, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el clan'.
Misgendering the Noun
Mistake: “La clan es muy grande.”
Correction: El clan es muy grande. Remember to use the masculine article 'el'.
tribu
TREE-boo/ˈtɾiβu/
Examples
Las antiguas tribus se dedicaban a la caza y la recolección.
The ancient tribes were dedicated to hunting and gathering.
El gobierno reconoció los derechos territoriales de la tribu indígena.
The government recognized the territorial rights of the indigenous tribe.
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.
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.)
Clan vs. Tribu
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