Spanish word

persona

Pronunciation

IPA/peɾˈsona/

Meaning

  • feminine nounperson

Example

Esa persona es amable.

That person is kind.

Illustration for persona (person)

More examples

Conocí a una persona de confianza en el trabajo.

I met a reliable person at work.

Core concept

A single human being regarded as an individual.

Common phrases

  • una persona amable

    a friendly person

  • una persona de confianza

    a reliable person

  • conocer a una persona

    get to know a person

Similar words

individuo: One person viewed as a separate individual, often neutrally.
gente: A collection of people referred to together as a group.
ciudadano: A person who holds legal citizenship in a country or region.
ser humano: A human being as a member of the species.

Definition in Spanish

Ser humano considerado como individuo, una unidad distinta de los demás.

Word origin

From Latin persona 'mask, role', the term names a theatrical character and now denotes a single human regarded as a distinct individual.

Usage tips

  • Spanish persona normally means an actual person rather than the English 'persona' meaning a public image, and it does not replace gente for referring to groups.

Other meanings

  • individualnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word