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How to Say "person" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “person” is “persona” — use 'persona' as the default and most common translation for 'person' when referring to any human being in a general context..

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persona

/per-SOH-nah//peɾˈso.na/

NounA1General
Use 'persona' as the default and most common translation for 'person' when referring to any human being in a general context.
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-dwo/in.diˈβi.ðwo/

NounB1General/Formal
Use 'individuo' when you want to emphasize a single, distinct human being, often in a more formal or philosophical context, highlighting individual 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.

alma

/al-mah//ˈalma/

NounB2Idiomatic
Use 'alma' specifically in idiomatic expressions like 'not a living soul' to convey the absence of any people.
A vast, empty landscape of rolling green hills under a bright sky. In the far distance, a single, small human figure is walking alone, emphasizing the count of one person.

Examples

No había ni un alma en la calle.

There wasn't a single soul on the street.

Es un pueblo de solo doscientas almas.

It's a town of only two hundred souls (people).

mortal

/mor-TAL//moɾˈtal/

NounB2Literary/Figurative
Use 'mortal' when referring to a human being in contrast to a divine or supernatural being, or to emphasize their temporary existence.
A simple illustration of a young child standing alone in a field, looking up at the sky with an expression of curiosity and wonder, representing a human being.

Examples

El héroe era un mortal que desafió a los gigantes.

The hero was a mortal who challenged the giants.

Choosing between 'persona' and 'individuo'

The most common mistake is using 'individuo' when 'persona' would be more natural. 'Persona' is the everyday, neutral term for a person. Reserve 'individuo' for when you are specifically highlighting a single person as an independent entity, often in formal or analytical contexts.

Related Translations

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