Inklingo

How to Say "forefathers" in Spanish

English → Spanish

antepasados

/ahn-teh-pah-SAH-dohs//antepaˈsaðos/

nounA2formal/historical
Use this word when referring to one's ancestors in a more formal, historical, or literary context, often emphasizing their origins or the passage of time.
A row of framed portraits on a wall showing a great-grandfather, a grandfather, and a father in a consistent style.

Examples

Mis antepasados vinieron de España en el siglo diecinueve.

My ancestors came from Spain in the nineteenth century.

Debemos respetar las tradiciones de nuestros antepasados.

We must respect the traditions of our ancestors.

Ella está investigando a sus antepasados para hacer su árbol genealógico.

She is researching her ancestors to make her family tree.

Always Plural

While 'antepasado' can be used in the singular to mean one ancestor, you will almost always hear it in the plural form ('antepasados') because it usually refers to a whole group of people from your family tree.

Gendered Plurals

Even though this word ends in '-os' (masculine), it refers to both your male and female ancestors combined.

Using 'antiguos'

Mistake: “Mis antiguos vivían aquí.”

Correction: Mis antepasados vivían aquí.

ancestros

/an-SESS-trohs//anˈsestɾos/

nounB1general/historical
Use this word when talking about your ancestors in a general sense, particularly when discussing family heritage, lineage, or historical origins without a strong emphasis on formality.
A large, ancient oak tree with deep, visible roots and many branches, representing a family lineage.

Examples

Mis ancestros llegaron a este país hace cien años.

My ancestors arrived in this country a hundred years ago.

Es importante conocer la cultura de nuestros ancestros.

It is important to know the culture of our ancestors.

Ella siente una conexión profunda con sus ancestros.

She feels a deep connection with her ancestors.

Always Masculine

Even if you are talking about female relatives in your past, the word 'ancestros' is always masculine. You use 'los' and 'nuestros' with it.

Usually Plural

While 'ancestro' exists, we almost always use this word in the plural because we are usually talking about a whole group of people from the past.

Ancestros vs. Antiguos

Mistake: “Using 'antiguos' to mean ancestors.”

Correction: Use 'ancestros' for family lineage. 'Antiguos' usually refers to 'ancient people' in a general historical sense (like the Ancient Greeks), not your specific family tree.

Choosing Between 'Antepasados' and 'Ancestros'

Learners often confuse 'antepasados' and 'ancestros' because both mean 'forefathers' or 'ancestors'. The key is that 'antepasados' carries a more formal and historical tone, while 'ancestros' is more common in everyday conversation about family history.

Related Translations

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