How to Say "spaniard" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “spaniard” is “español” — use this term when referring to a male person from Spain..
English → Spanish
español
nounA1general
Use this term when referring to a male person from Spain.
Examples
Mi amigo es un español muy amable.
My friend is a very kind Spaniard.
española
nounA1general
Use this term when referring to a female person from Spain.
Examples
Mi nueva jefa es una española muy simpática.
My new boss is a very nice Spanish woman.
gallego
/guy-YEH-go//ɡaˈʎe.ɡo/
nounB1regional/informal
In some Latin American countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico, this term is commonly used to refer to any person from Spain, regardless of their origin within Spain.
Examples
En Argentina, a los españoles les decimos gallegos.
In Argentina, we call Spaniards 'gallegos'.
Mi abuelo era gallego, vino de Madrid en 1950.
My grandfather was Spanish (gallego), he came from Madrid in 1950.
Gender and Regional Usage
The most common mistake is not accounting for gender when using 'español'/'española'. Additionally, learners might incorrectly use 'gallego' outside of its specific regional context in Latin America, where it's used as a general term for Spaniards.
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