Inklingo

How to Say "natives" in Spanish

English → Spanish

naturales

nah-too-RAH-les/na.tuˈɾa.les/

nounB2general
Use 'naturales' when referring to people who are indigenous to or originally from a specific geographical region or place.
A person with dark hair, wearing simple clothing, standing confidently on reddish earth next to a small, traditional thatched-roof dwelling.

Examples

Los naturales del valle han mantenido sus tradiciones.

The natives of the valley have maintained their traditions.

Se organizó una reunión con los naturales de la región.

A meeting was organized with the locals of the region.

Noun Use

When used as a noun, 'naturales' refers to people. Because it is a plural noun, it is always preceded by a plural article like 'los' or 'unos'.

hijos

/ee-khos//ˈixos/

nounB2figurative
Use 'hijos' metaphorically to describe the 'offspring' or 'products' that result from a particular cause, situation, or abstract origin.
A stylized illustration showing large, perfect, ripe red apples clustered together, emerging directly from rich, dark earth, symbolizing the products or results of a process.

Examples

Estos problemas económicos son hijos de la mala gestión.

These economic problems are the products of poor management.

Somos hijos de nuestro tiempo y de nuestra cultura.

We are products of our time and our culture.

Confusing 'Naturales' with 'Hijos'

Learners often mistakenly use 'hijos' when referring to people native to a place. Remember that 'naturales' specifically denotes indigenous people, while 'hijos' is typically used metaphorically for the 'products' or 'results' of something.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.