How to Say "human" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “human” is “humano” — use 'humano' as an adjective when referring to things that are characteristic of or relate to people in general, like the human body or human behavior..
humano
/oo-MAH-no//uˈmano/
Examples
El cuerpo humano es una máquina increíble.
The human body is an incredible machine.
Cometer errores es muy humano.
Making mistakes is very human.
Es necesario un trato más humano para los refugiados.
A more humane treatment for refugees is necessary.
El ser humano es un ser social por naturaleza.
The human being is a social being by nature.
Making Adjectives Match
In Spanish, words that describe things (adjectives) must match the thing they're describing. 'Humano' changes to 'humana' for feminine things, 'humanos' for multiple masculine things, and 'humanas' for multiple feminine things. For example: 'el niño humano' (the human boy), 'la niña humana' (the human girl).
Referring to People in General
When you want to talk about humans as a species or people in general, you'll often use the plural form: 'los humanos'. For example, 'Los humanos necesitan agua para vivir' (Humans need water to live).
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: “La especie humano es fascinante.”
Correction: La especie humana es fascinante. Because 'especie' (species) is a feminine word, you need to use the feminine form 'humana' to match it.
humano
/oo-MAH-no//uˈmano/
Examples
El ser humano es un ser social por naturaleza.
The human being is a social being by nature.
El cuerpo humano es una máquina increíble.
The human body is an incredible machine.
Cometer errores es muy humano.
Making mistakes is very human.
Es necesario un trato más humano para los refugiados.
A more humane treatment for refugees is necessary.
Making Adjectives Match
In Spanish, words that describe things (adjectives) must match the thing they're describing. 'Humano' changes to 'humana' for feminine things, 'humanos' for multiple masculine things, and 'humanas' for multiple feminine things. For example: 'el niño humano' (the human boy), 'la niña humana' (the human girl).
Referring to People in General
When you want to talk about humans as a species or people in general, you'll often use the plural form: 'los humanos'. For example, 'Los humanos necesitan agua para vivir' (Humans need water to live).
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: “La especie humano es fascinante.”
Correction: La especie humana es fascinante. Because 'especie' (species) is a feminine word, you need to use the feminine form 'humana' to match it.
mortal
/mor-TAL//moɾˈtal/
Examples
Los dioses son inmortales, pero nosotros somos mortales.
The gods are immortal, but we are mortal.
La vida mortal es breve.
Mortal life is brief.
Choosing between 'humano' and 'mortal'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.