Inklingo

How to Say "person" in Spanish

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

persona🔊A1

Use 'persona' as the default and most general translation for 'person' when referring to any human being in a neutral context.

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individuo🔊B1

Choose 'individuo' when you want to emphasize a single human being as a distinct entity, often in a more formal or abstract discussion.

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alma🔊B2

Use 'alma' metaphorically for 'person' only in specific idiomatic expressions, most commonly 'no había ni un alma' to mean 'there wasn't a soul' or nobody present.

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mortal🔊B2

Employ 'mortal' when referring to a person as a human being, often in contrast to a divine or immortal being, or to emphasize their finite existence.

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mae🔊A1

Use 'mae' exclusively in very informal, casual conversation, particularly in Costa Rica, to refer to a guy or person, similar to 'dude' or 'guy'.

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English → Spanish

persona

per-SOH-nahpeɾˈso.na

NounA1Neutral
Use 'persona' as the default and most general translation for 'person' when referring to any human being in a neutral 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-dwoin.diˈβi.ðwo

NounB1Neutral/Formal
Choose 'individuo' when you want to emphasize a single human being as a distinct entity, often in a more formal or abstract discussion.
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-mahˈalma

NounB2Idiomatic/Figurative
Use 'alma' metaphorically for 'person' only in specific idiomatic expressions, most commonly 'no había ni un alma' to mean 'there wasn't a soul' or nobody present.
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-TALmoɾˈtal

NounB2Literary/Figurative
Employ 'mortal' when referring to a person as a human being, often in contrast to a divine or immortal being, or to emphasize their finite 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.

mae

mah-ehmae

NounA1Very Casual/Slang
Use 'mae' exclusively in very informal, casual conversation, particularly in Costa Rica, to refer to a guy or person, similar to 'dude' or 'guy'.
Two young male friends in casual clothes sharing a friendly high-five in a park.

Examples

Ese mae es muy buena gente.

That guy is a very nice person.

¿Qué pasó, mae?

What happened, dude?

Había un mae vendiendo comida en la esquina.

There was a guy selling food on the corner.

Using 'Mae' for everyone

While originally masculine, younger Costa Ricans often use 'la mae' to refer to a girl, though 'el mae' is the standard default for a guy.

The 'Friendly Filler'

This word often acts as a 'comma' in conversation. It doesn't always mean 'dude'; sometimes it's just a sound used to keep the conversation flowing.

Too much of a good thing

Mistake: “Using 'mae' in a job interview or with a doctor.”

Correction: Only use it with friends or people your own age. Using it in formal settings can sound disrespectful.

Defaulting to 'alma' or 'mortal'

Learners often mistakenly use 'alma' or 'mortal' outside of their specific idiomatic or figurative contexts. Remember that 'persona' is the standard, everyday word for 'person', while 'alma' and 'mortal' are used for special emphasis or in set phrases.

Related Translations

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