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How to Say "humans" in Spanish

English → Spanish

humanos

oo-MAH-nohs/uˈmanos/

nounA1general
Use 'humanos' when referring to people in a general, biological, or scientific sense, emphasizing our species.
A colorful illustration showing a diverse group of stylized people standing close together, representing collective humanity.

Examples

Los humanos tenemos la capacidad de razonar.

Humans have the capacity to reason.

Se dice que los primeros humanos vinieron de África.

It is said that the first human beings came from Africa.

Tenemos que cuidar nuestro planeta para las futuras generaciones de humanos.

We have to take care of our planet for future generations of humans.

Collective Plural

Even if you are talking about a group that includes men and women, humanos (masculine plural) is the standard word used to mean 'all people.'

Using the Singular Too Broadly

Mistake: “El humano necesita agua.”

Correction: Los humanos necesitan agua. (Use the plural when referring to the species in general.)

mortales

/mor-TAH-lehs//moɾˈtales/

nounB2literary, philosophical
Use 'mortales' when you want to emphasize the finite, earthly nature of people, often in contrast to something divine or eternal.
A diverse group of people standing together under a bright sun.

Examples

Es un secreto que los simples mortales no pueden conocer.

It is a secret that mere mortals cannot know.

Los dioses bajaron a la tierra para hablar con los mortales.

The gods came down to earth to speak with mortals.

Group Reference

Even though it refers to all humans, 'los mortales' uses the masculine plural form by default.

Direct vs. Poetic Usage

Learners often mistakenly use 'mortales' when they simply mean 'people' or 'humans' in a neutral context. Reserve 'mortales' for when you want to highlight our mortality or contrast humans with the immortal.

Related Translations

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