Inklingo

How to Say "individual" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “individual” is “persona” — use 'persona' when referring to a single human being in a general sense, distinct from a group or animal.

persona🔊A1

Use 'persona' when referring to a single human being in a general sense, distinct from a group or animal.

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individuo🔊B1

Use 'individuo' to emphasize a single person as a distinct entity, often in a more formal or legal context, or when highlighting their unique rights or characteristics.

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sujeto🔊A2

Use 'sujeto' as a general, often neutral or sometimes slightly suspicious term for a person, especially when their identity is not fully known or relevant.

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elemento🔊C1

Use 'elemento' to refer to a person who is part of a larger group, often in contexts related to security, investigation, or classifying members.

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individual🔊A2

Use the adjective 'individual' to describe something that belongs to or affects only one person, or is singular in nature.

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personales🔊A1

Use 'personales' to describe matters, items, or qualities that are specific to one person's private life or identity.

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English → Spanish

persona

per-SOH-nahpeɾˈso.na

NounA1General
Use 'persona' when referring to a single human being in a general sense, distinct from a group or animal.
A colorful illustration of one person standing alone, representing an individual.

Examples

Hay una persona en la puerta.

There is a person at the door.

Es una persona muy amable.

He/She is a very kind person.

Necesitamos tres personas para el equipo.

We need three people for the team.

Always Feminine

The word 'persona' is always treated as a feminine word in grammar, even if you're talking about a man. This means you always use 'la', 'una', and any describing words must also be in their feminine form (like 'alta' instead of 'alto').

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Mi padre es un persona muy inteligente.”

Correction: Mi padre es una persona muy inteligente. The word 'persona' itself is always feminine, so you must use 'una', not 'un'.

Incorrect Adjective Agreement

Mistake: “El profesor es una persona muy simpático.”

Correction: El profesor es una persona muy simpática. Because 'persona' is feminine, the describing word ('simpática') also needs to be feminine to match it.

individuo

in-dee-VEE-dwoin.diˈβi.ðwo

NounB1General/Formal
Use 'individuo' to emphasize a single person as a distinct entity, often in a more formal or legal context, or when highlighting their unique rights or characteristics.
A simple storybook illustration showing a solitary figure standing in the center of a wide, empty landscape, emphasizing the concept of being alone.

Examples

Cada individuo tiene derecho a la libre expresión.

Every individual has the right to free expression.

El estudio analizó las preferencias de mil individuos.

The study analyzed the preferences of a thousand individuals.

Necesitamos un individuo con experiencia en este campo.

We need a person with experience in this field.

Gender Note

Even though 'individuo' is a masculine word, it can refer to a woman or a man. For example, 'Ella es un individuo muy talentoso' (She is a very talented individual).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'individua' to refer to a woman.”

Correction: The word 'individuo' is always masculine ('el individuo'), regardless of the gender of the person it refers to. Do not change the ending.

sujeto

soo-HEH-tohsuˈxeto

NounA2General/Informal
Use 'sujeto' as a general, often neutral or sometimes slightly suspicious term for a person, especially when their identity is not fully known or relevant.
A simple illustration of a casually dressed man with a friendly expression standing and looking forward.

Examples

Vimos a un sujeto sospechoso cerca de la tienda.

We saw a suspicious individual near the store.

Ese sujeto siempre llega tarde a las reuniones.

That guy always arrives late to the meetings.

La policía está buscando a un sujeto de 40 años.

The police are looking for a 40-year-old suspect.

elemento

eh-leh-MEN-tohe.leˈmen.to

NounC1Formal/Specific
Use 'elemento' to refer to a person who is part of a larger group, often in contexts related to security, investigation, or classifying members.
A single individual wearing a uniform standing out slightly from a small, unified group of three other people in matching uniforms.

Examples

La seguridad detuvo a un elemento sospechoso cerca de la entrada principal.

Security detained a suspicious individual near the main entrance.

Necesitamos identificar a los elementos más influyentes del equipo.

We need to identify the most influential members of the team.

Referring to People

Using 'elemento' to refer to a person is usually quite formal or impersonal, often used by police or authorities. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, like 'a bad element' in English.

individual

een-dee-bee-DWALindiβiˈðwal

AdjectiveA2General
Use the adjective 'individual' to describe something that belongs to or affects only one person, or is singular in nature.
A single bright red apple sitting alone in the center of a clean white surface.

Examples

He reservado una habitación individual en el hotel.

I have booked a single room at the hotel.

Los estudiantes necesitan atención individual para aprender mejor.

Students need individual attention to learn better.

El tenis puede ser un deporte individual o de dobles.

Tennis can be an individual or doubles sport.

One form for everyone

This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. You can say 'un cuarto individual' (masculine) or 'una cama individual' (feminine) using the exact same word.

How to talk about more than one

To talk about multiple things, just add '-es' to the end: 'clases individuales'.

Confusing it with 'soltero'

Mistake: “Soy individual.”

Correction: Soy soltero/a.

personales

per-so-NAH-lespeɾ.soˈna.les

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'personales' to describe matters, items, or qualities that are specific to one person's private life or identity.
A close-up view of a hand holding a pen, writing in a small, closed book secured with a tiny gold lock, symbolizing privacy and something relating exclusively to one person.

Examples

Necesito hablar contigo sobre asuntos personales.

I need to talk to you about personal matters.

Todos tienen sus razones personales para tomar esa decisión.

Everyone has their personal reasons for making that decision.

Las llamadas personales están prohibidas durante el horario de trabajo.

Private calls are prohibited during work hours.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'personales' ends in '-es', it is the plural form. It must be used to describe plural nouns, whether they are masculine (asuntos) or feminine (razones).

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: “Tengo dos problema personal.”

Correction: Tengo dos problemas personales. (The adjective must be plural to match the plural noun 'problemas'.)

Confusing 'Individuo' with 'Persona'

Learners often use 'individuo' when 'persona' is more appropriate. While 'individuo' can mean 'person,' it often carries a connotation of separateness or is used in more formal/legal contexts. For general conversation about a single human being, 'persona' is usually the safer and more natural choice.

Related Translations

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