americano
Lemma Details
Translation: American; of or relating to America; from the Americas
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from 'América' (America) with the suffix '-ano' which forms adjectives indicating origin or relationship. The term 'América' itself comes from the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who was among the first Europeans to suggest that Columbus had reached a new continent rather than Asia. The English cognate 'American' follows the same etymological path.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 95%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of the 'a' at the beginning and end of 'americana' as representing the Americas from Alaska to Argentina.
- Remember that 'americano' sounds like 'American' but refers more broadly to the entire continent(s) in Spanish.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'americano' can refer to anyone from the Americas (North, Central, or South), not just people from the United States as is common in English usage. When specifically referring to people from the United States, 'estadounidense' is often preferred in formal contexts, especially in Latin America where there can be sensitivity about the United States' appropriation of the term 'American'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'americano' can refer to anyone from the Americas (North, Central, or South), 'estadounidense' specifically refers to people or things from the United States.
This word:
Los países americanos se reunieron en la cumbre.
The American countries met at the summit.
Notes: In many Latin American countries, using 'americano' to refer exclusively to people from the United States can be considered culturally insensitive, as it implies that only the U.S. represents America.
Mnemonic: 'Estadounidense' contains 'estados unidos' (United States), making it specifically about the USA, while 'americano' is broader.
Explanation: 'Americano' refers to someone or something from America, while 'americanista' refers to a supporter or fan of Club América (a Mexican soccer team) or to someone who studies American cultures and languages.
Confused word:
Él es un americanista apasionado que nunca se pierde un partido.
He is a passionate Club América fan who never misses a match.
Notes: 'Americanista' can also refer to scholars who study indigenous American cultures and languages.
Mnemonic: The '-ista' suffix in 'americanista' indicates a follower or supporter, like in 'socialista' or 'feminista'.