Inklingo

How to Say "peoples" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pueblos

PWEH-blohs/ˈpwe.βlos/

nounB1general
Use 'pueblos' when referring to distinct, often politically or historically defined groups of people, such as nations, indigenous communities, or populations with a shared identity.
Three diverse individuals standing side-by-side: one in Asian attire, one in African attire, and one in European attire, representing different groups of peoples.

Examples

Los pueblos originarios de América lucharon por su independencia.

The indigenous peoples of America fought for their independence.

Los pueblos de Europa tienen una historia entrelazada.

The peoples of Europe have an intertwined history.

Se exige respeto por la autodeterminación de los pueblos.

Respect for the self-determination of populations is demanded.

Plurality of 'Peoples'

Unlike English, which often uses 'the people' (singular) to refer to a collective population, Spanish uses 'los pueblos' (plural) when referring to multiple distinct populations or nations.

gente

/HEN-teh//ˈxente/

nounC1general
Use 'gente' when referring to a collective of people in a more general sense, often encompassing ethnic or national groups, especially when discussing their customs, way of life, or historical presence.
A stylized world map with diverse groups of people in traditional clothing on different continents, representing the plural 'gentes' as peoples or nations.

Examples

El libro describe las costumbres de las gentes de la antigüedad.

The book describes the customs of the peoples of antiquity.

Es un lugar donde conviven gentes de todo el mundo.

It is a place where peoples from all over the world coexist.

Choosing Between 'Pueblos' and 'Gente'

Learners often confuse 'pueblos' and 'gente' for 'peoples'. Remember that 'pueblos' is more specific to distinct nations or communities, while 'gente' is broader and can refer to people in a more general or collective ethnic sense.

Related Translations

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