Inklingo

How to Say "elite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nata

/nah-tah//ˈnata/

nounB2formal
Use 'nata' when referring to the highest, most privileged level of society, often implying wealth and social standing.
A basket of red apples with one single, shiny golden apple sitting prominently in the center.

Examples

A la gala asistió la nata de la sociedad.

The elite of society attended the gala.

Estos estudiantes son la crema y nata de la universidad.

These students are the cream of the crop of the university.

Metaphorical Use

This meaning comes from the fact that cream rises to the top of milk. It is used to describe people or things that have 'risen' to the top level of quality.

élite

/EH-lee-teh//ˈelite/

nounB2
Use 'élite' for a select group perceived as superior due to skill, status, or achievement, not necessarily tied to just social class.
A small group of figures standing on a high, golden platform while others stand on the ground below.

Examples

Este club es solo para la élite de la ciudad.

This club is only for the city's elite.

Ella es una deportista de élite y compite a nivel mundial.

She is a top-tier athlete and competes at a global level.

La élite intelectual se reunió en la conferencia.

The intellectual elite gathered at the conference.

A feminine word for everyone

In Spanish, 'élite' is a feminine word. Even if you are talking about a group of men, you still use 'la élite'.

The two faces of 'elite'

You might see this word without an accent mark (elite). Both 'élite' and 'elite' are correct in Spanish. The one with the accent is pronounced EH-lee-teh, while the one without is eh-LEE-teh.

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “El élite de los negocios.”

Correction: La élite de los negocios. (Even though it ends in 'e', it's always feminine.)

Nata vs. Élite

The main confusion is between 'nata' and 'élite'. Remember that 'nata' specifically refers to the top social class, like cream rising to the top. 'Élite' is broader and can apply to any group considered superior, not just the highest social stratum.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.