How to Say "residents" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “residents” is “residentes” — use this term for people living in a specific building, complex, or defined neighborhood, or for doctors undergoing specialized training..
residentes
/reh-see-DEN-tehs//resiˈdentes/
Examples
Los residentes del edificio están pidiendo una reunión.
The residents of the building are asking for a meeting.
Esta tarjeta es solo para residentes de la ciudad.
This card is only for residents of the city.
Los médicos residentes trabajan muchas horas en este hospital.
The resident doctors work many hours in this hospital.
One word for everyone
Even though this word ends in 'e', it works for both men and women. To show who you mean, just change the small word before it: 'los residentes' (men or mixed group) or 'las residentes' (only women).
Don't forget the 's'
Mistake: “Los residente viven aquí.”
Correction: Los residentes viven aquí.
habitantes
ah-bee-TAHN-tess/a.βiˈtan.tes/
Examples
La ciudad de México tiene más de 20 millones de habitantes.
Mexico City has more than 20 million inhabitants.
Los habitantes de la costa dependen de la pesca para vivir.
The residents of the coast depend on fishing to live.
El censo mostró una disminución en el número de habitantes rurales.
The census showed a decrease in the number of rural residents.
Singular vs. Plural
This word is already plural. The singular form is habitante (resident), which is used when talking about one person.
Habitantes vs. Habitaciones
Mistake: “Using 'habitantes' when you mean 'rooms' (*habitaciones*).”
Correction: Remember, *habitantes* are the people who live there, and *habitaciones* are the physical rooms. They sound similar but mean completely different things.
vecinos
veh-SEE-nohs/beˈsinos/
Examples
Nuestros vecinos nos invitaron a una barbacoa.
Our neighbors invited us to a barbecue.
Los vecinos se quejaron del ruido de la fiesta.
The neighbors complained about the noise from the party.
La reunión de vecinos será mañana por la noche.
The residents' meeting will be tomorrow night.
Masculine Plural for Mixed Groups
Even if the group of neighbors includes women, 'vecinos' (masculine plural) is the standard term used to refer to the group as a whole. Use 'vecinas' only if the group is entirely female.
The Root Word
This word comes from the singular 'vecino' (a male neighbor) or 'vecina' (a female neighbor). Remember to match the plural ending (-os) to the plural noun.
Confusing the Place and the People
Mistake: “Usar 'vecinos' para hablar del barrio. (Using 'neighbors' to talk about the neighborhood.)”
Correction: Use 'el vecindario' or 'el barrio' for the area, and 'los vecinos' for the people. Example: 'El vecindario es tranquilo' (The neighborhood is quiet).
ciudadanos
see-oo-dah-NAH-nohs/sjuðaˈðanos/
Examples
Los ciudadanos tienen derecho a votar.
The citizens have the right to vote.
La junta informó a todos los ciudadanos sobre el nuevo proyecto.
The board informed all residents about the new project.
Necesitamos la participación de los ciudadanos para mejorar la ciudad.
We need the participation of the inhabitants to improve the city.
Gender Rule (Mixed Groups)
Even if a group of citizens includes women, the masculine plural form 'ciudadanos' is used to refer to the entire group generally.
Confusing Citizenship vs. City
Mistake: “Thinking 'ciudadanos' just means 'people of the city.'”
Correction: While related to 'city' (ciudad), 'ciudadanos' usually refers to legal citizens of a country, state, or municipality, often implying rights and duties.
internos
/in-TER-nohs//inˈteɾnos/
Examples
Los internos del hospital tienen turnos muy largos.
The hospital interns have very long shifts.
Dos nuevos internos se unieron al equipo de cirugía.
Two new interns joined the surgery team.
La policía realizó un registro entre los internos de la cárcel.
The police carried out a search among the inmates of the prison.
Los internos del colegio tienen un horario estricto.
The boarding school residents have a strict schedule.
People Who Stay Inside
This noun refers to people who live or work inside an institution (like a hospital or a boarding school) for a specific period of training or residency.
Context Shift
This meaning is related to the verb 'internar' (to confine or admit) and often appears in formal contexts like law enforcement or education.
General vs. Specific Living Situations
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.