Spanish Conversation · Level 113
60 words
Spanish word
analfabeto
Pronunciation
IPA/analfaˈβeto/
Meaning
- masculine nounilliterate
Example
Conocí a un analfabeto en el tren.
I met an illiterate person on the train.
More examples
En esa región muchas personas siguen siendo analfabetos.
In that region many people remain illiterate.
Core concept
Person staring at printed text they cannot read.
Common phrases
un analfabeto
an illiterate person
ser analfabeto
be illiterate
Similar words
iletrado: Limited literacy from insufficient schooling, lacking reliable reading and writing skills.
analfabetismo: Social phenomenon of many people lacking basic literacy.
Definition in Spanish
Individuo que carece de la capacidad de leer y escribir.
Word origin
From the negative prefix an- plus alfabeto 'alphabet' (alfabeto from Greek alphabetos via Latin), literally 'without an alphabet' and so denoting someone who cannot read or write.
Usage tips
- Often used both literally and figuratively, so context determines whether it names true illiteracy or a lack of a specific skill such as analfabeto digital.
Opposites
- alfabetizadoa literate personnoun
- letradoan educated personnoun
Related words
- analfabetismoilliteracynoun
- analfabetizarilliterateverb