Adjective / Noun
/estaðuniˈðense/
The term estadounidense refers to someone or something from the United States (of America). It is derived from "Estados Unidos" which means "United States." In Spanish, it is used to describe nationality and is especially relevant because "americano" can ambiguously refer to anyone from the Americas. Therefore, estadounidense specifically clarifies that one is referring to someone from the United States. This term is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially in formal and academic discussions to avoid ambiguity.
Los ciudadanos estadounidenses tienen derecho a votar.
U.S. citizens have the right to vote.
El producto fue importado de Estados Unidos, así que es estadounidense.
The product was imported from the United States, so it is American.
Ella es una artista estadounidense famosa en todo el mundo.
She is an American artist famous worldwide.
Though estadounidense itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, there are phrases that can incorporate the term or reference aspects of American culture and identity. Here are some relevant idiomatic usages with their meanings:
Ejemplo: La cultura estadounidense ha influido en muchas partes del mundo.
American culture has influenced many parts of the world.
Valores estadounidenses
American values
Ejemplo: Los valores estadounidenses enfatizan la libertad y la igualdad.
American values emphasize freedom and equality.
Sueño estadounidense
American Dream
Ejemplo: Muchas personas vienen a este país en busca del sueño estadounidense.
Many people come to this country in search of the American Dream.
Comida estadounidense
American food
The word estadounidense is a compound of "Estados Unidos" (United States) and the suffix -ense, which is used in Spanish to form adjectives and nouns indicating origin. This construction adheres to the linguistic convention in Spanish for denoting nationality.
Synonyms: - Americano (though this can refer to anyone from the Americas) - Norteamericano (specific to North Americans, including Canadians and Mexicans)
Antonyms: - Extranjero (foreigner) - No estadounidense (not American)