How to Say "inhabitant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “inhabitant” is “habitante” — use 'habitante' when referring to any person or animal that lives in a particular city, region, or country, focusing on the simple fact of residing there.
Use 'habitante' when referring to any person or animal that lives in a particular city, region, or country, focusing on the simple fact of residing there.
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Use 'residente' when you want to emphasize that someone officially lives or stays in a city, country, or even a specific building, often implying a legal or formal status.
Learn more →ah-bee-TAN-tehaβiˈtante
Examples
Madrid tiene más de tres millones de habitantes.
Madrid has more than three million inhabitants.
El jaguar es un habitante importante de la selva.
The jaguar is an important inhabitant of the jungle.
Todos los habitantes deben reciclar para cuidar el planeta.
All residents must recycle to take care of the planet.
One word for everyone
The word 'habitante' doesn't change its ending for men or women. Use 'el habitante' for a man and 'la habitante' for a woman.
Talking about populations
While 'residente' is often used for legal status or specific addresses, 'habitante' is the standard word used for population statistics of cities and countries.
Don't say 'habitanta'
Mistake: “La habitanta de la casa.”
Correction: La habitante de la casa. This word always ends in 'e' regardless of gender.
reh-see-DEHN-tehresiˈðente
Examples
Soy residente de este edificio.
I am a resident of this building.
Los residentes del barrio están felices.
The residents of the neighborhood are happy.
One word for everyone
This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. You just change the word 'the' in front: 'el residente' for a man and 'la residente' for a woman.
Avoid 'residenta'
Mistake: “Calling a woman 'la residenta'.”
Correction: Use 'la residente'. While 'residenta' exists in some old dictionaries, 'la residente' is the natural, modern way to say it.
Habitante vs. Residente
Learners often use 'habitante' and 'residente' interchangeably. Remember that 'habitante' is broader, simply meaning 'dweller,' while 'residente' can suggest a more permanent or official status, like a resident permit or long-term stay.
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