Inklingo

How to Say "ethnic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

étnico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'étnico' when referring to aspects of cultural, national, or religious identity, such as food, music, or traditions.

Examples

Me encanta probar la comida étnica de diferentes países.

I love trying ethnic food from different countries.

racial

ra-syalraˈsjal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'racial' specifically when discussing matters related to race, ancestry, or the biological or social constructs of different human groups.
A diverse group of children from various ethnic backgrounds holding hands in a circle.

Examples

Luchamos por la igualdad racial en todo el mundo.

We fight for racial equality all over the world.

La diversidad racial es una riqueza de esta ciudad.

Racial diversity is a wealth of this city.

No se permite la discriminación racial en el empleo.

Racial discrimination is not allowed in employment.

One ending for everyone

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'racial' doesn't change for masculine or feminine nouns. You say 'el grupo racial' and 'la minoría racial'.

Word Order

In Spanish, 'racial' almost always comes AFTER the noun it describes, just like in 'odio racial' (racial hatred).

Don't add an 'o' or 'a'

Mistake: “La discriminación raciala.”

Correction: La discriminación racial. Adjectives ending in -al are the same for both genders.

tribal

tree-bahltɾiˈβal

adjectiveB2general
Use 'tribal' when referring to the social organization, customs, or structures of specific tribes or indigenous groups.
Three brightly colored, stylized figures standing side-by-side, unified by the shared geometric pattern decorating their simple robes, emphasizing their group identity.

Examples

Las estructuras sociales tribales son muy diferentes de las occidentales.

Tribal social structures are very different from Western ones.

La música tribal se caracteriza por el uso de tambores y flautas.

Tribal music is characterized by the use of drums and flutes.

Algunos analistas critican la política moderna por su comportamiento tribal.

Some analysts criticize modern politics for its tribal behavior (excessive loyalty to one side).

Gender is Simple

Since 'tribal' ends in -l, it doesn't change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine. You use the same form for 'el' and 'la' nouns (e.g., 'la danza tribal', 'el líder tribal').

Forming the Plural

To make 'tribal' plural, you simply add -es: 'tribales' (e.g., 'pueblos tribales').

Incorrect Plural

Mistake: “Using 'tribals' (English pluralization) instead of the Spanish form.”

Correction: Always remember the Spanish plural for adjectives ending in -L is '-es': 'tribales'.

Don't confuse 'étnico' with 'racial'

Learners often use 'étnico' when they mean 'racial', and vice-versa. Remember that 'étnico' relates to culture and identity, while 'racial' specifically concerns race and ancestry.

Related Translations

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