latino (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "latino" is primarily used as a noun and an adjective in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/latiˈno/

Translation Options into English

1. Latino (often used to refer to a person of Latin American origin)
2. Latin (in other contexts, often used in a more cultural or linguistic sense)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "latino" refers to a person from Latin America or someone of Latin American descent. The term can also describe cultural aspects related to Latin America, including music, cuisine, and traditions. It is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in discussions surrounding identity, culture, and social issues. The usage can vary in frequency depending on the region, with a significant presence in the United States, especially in areas with substantial Hispanic and Latino populations.

Example Sentences: - El latino moderno busca una forma de expresar su identidad cultural.
(The modern Latino seeks a way to express his cultural identity.)

• La música latina ha ganado popularidad en todo el mundo, especialmente entre los latinos.
  (Latin music has gained popularity worldwide, especially among Latinos.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "latino" does not frequently form part of specific idioms, it often appears in expressions related to culture, community, and identity. Below are a few examples:

• Ser un latino en Estados Unidos implica enfrentar desafíos únicos.
  (Being a Latino in the United States involves facing unique challenges.)

• Los latinos han influido en la cultura americana de muchas maneras.
  (Latinos have influenced American culture in many ways.)

• Celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Latina es fundamental para los latinos en el país.
  (Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is fundamental for Latinos in the country.)

Etymology

The term "latino" derives from the Latin root "Latinus," which referred to someone from the region of Latium in ancient Italy. Over time, it has evolved to describe people from Latin America, given the cultural and linguistic heritage of these regions, primarily shaped by Spanish and Portuguese colonization.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Hispano (Hispanic) - Latinoamericano (Latin American) - Latino/a (for gender-specific usage)

Antonyms: - Anglosajón (Anglo-Saxon) - No latino (Non-Latino)

This gives a comprehensive overview of the term "latino," providing insights into its uses, meanings, and connotations within both general and cultural contexts.