Indio (en. Indian)

/ˈindio/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A native person of America before the arrival of Europeans.
The Indians were the original inhabitants of the land.
Los indios eran los habitantes originarios de la tierra.
In some countries, a term to describe people of indigenous culture.
In Mexico, the importance of Indians in national culture is recognized.
En México, se reconoce la importancia de los indios en la cultura nacional.
An old term used in colonial or historical contexts.
The Indians were a subject of study during colonization.
Los indios fueron objeto de estudio en la colonización.

Etymology

From Latin 'indicus', meaning 'from India', a term mistakenly used by Europeans to refer to the inhabitants of America.

Common Phrases and Expressions

heart Indian
A person who, although not of indigenous origin, deeply identifies with indigenous culture.
indio de corazón
to be more Indian than the Indian
An expression used to indicate that someone behaves in a particularly authentic or loyal manner to their culture.
ser más indio que el indio

Related Words

indigenous
A person who belongs to an indigenous people of a region.
indígena
aboriginal
Indigenous inhabitant of a place.
aborigen

Slang Meanings

Used in some regions as a colloquial term to refer to someone with a simple mindset.
Don't be an Indian, think beyond what you see.
No seas indio, piensa más allá de lo que ves.
A derogatory term in contexts of discrimination.
Some people use 'Indian' negatively, but it is incorrect.
Algunas personas usan 'indio' de manera negativa, pero es incorrecto.