Spanish
/'spæniʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Of or relating to Spain: Describes anything originating from or connected to the country of Spain.
- Of or relating to the people of Spain: Describes characteristics, culture, or items associated with the inhabitants of Spain.
Noun:
- The people of Spain: Refers collectively to the citizens or inhabitants of Spain.
- The Romance language spoken in Spain and many former Spanish colonies: Refers to the language itself.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- We enjoyed authentic Spanish cuisine. (The cuisine originates from Spain.)
- She is studying Spanish history. (The history is related to Spain.)
- Noun (referring to the language):
- He is fluent in Spanish. (He speaks the language.)
- I need to practice my Spanish. (I need to practice the language.)
- Noun (referring to the people):
- The Spanish are known for their vibrant festivals. (The people of Spain are known for this.)
Advanced Usage
- "The Spanish": When used with the definite article "the," it functions as a plural noun referring to the people of Spain as a collective group.
- The Spanish have a rich artistic heritage.
Variants and Related Words
- Spaniard (n): A native or inhabitant of Spain. (Note: This is the term for an individual person, whereas "the Spanish" refers to the people collectively).
- He is a Spaniard from Madrid.
- Hispanic (adj): Relating to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Latin America. (This is a broader term that includes but is not limited to Spain).
- The neighborhood has a large Hispanic population.
Synonyms
- From Spain: Iberian (specifically relating to the Iberian Peninsula, which includes Spain and Portugal).
- The language: Castellano (a term often used in Spain and some regions to refer specifically to the Spanish language).
Related Phrases
- Spanish fly: A historical term for a type of beetle, but commonly referenced in idiomatic contexts (Note: This is a fixed compound noun).
- Spanish moss: A type of epiphytic plant found in the Americas (Note: This is a fixed compound noun).
Related Idioms
- "To walk Spanish": An old, largely obsolete idiom meaning to be forced to walk on tiptoe or to be ejected forcibly.
- The bouncer walked the troublemaker Spanish out of the bar.
Adjective
- of or relating to or characteristic of Spain or the people of Spain
- Spanish music
Noun
- the people of Spain
- the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain