Is 'Guatemalan' always capitalised?

Yes, because it is derived from the proper noun 'Guatemala'.

Can 'Guatemalan' be used for languages?

Not typically. The main language is Spanish, so one says 'Guatemalan Spanish'. Indigenous languages are referred to by name (e.g., K'iche', Kaqchikel).

What is the difference between 'Guatemalan' and 'Guatemalteco'?

'Guatemalan' is the English demonym. 'Guatemalteco/a' is the Spanish demonym.

Is it correct to say 'a Guatemalan'?

Yes, it is the standard noun form for a person from Guatemala (e.g., 'She is a Guatemalan').

Is “guatemalan” formal?

Guatemalan is usually formal & informal in register.

How do you pronounce “guatemalan”?

Guatemalan: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑː.təˈmɑː.lən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑ.t̬əˈmɑː.lən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

guatemalan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌɡwɑː.təˈmɑː.lən/US/ˌɡwɑ.t̬əˈmɑː.lən/

Formal & Informal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “guatemalan” mean?

Relating to Guatemala, a country in Central America.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Relating to Guatemala, a country in Central America.

A person from Guatemala or something that originates from or is characteristic of Guatemala (e.g., culture, products, food).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Regional variations in English may affect pronunciation slightly.

Connotations

Neutral geographical/cultural identifier in both varieties.

Frequency

Comparable frequency in both BrE and AmE, largely dependent on context of discussion about Central America.

Grammar

How to Use “guatemalan” in a Sentence

Guatemalan + Noun (e.g., Guatemalan coffee)the + Guatemalan + people/government

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

coffeepeoplegovernmentculturefood

medium

restauranttextilesartistcivil warhighlands

weak

exportclimatetraditioncityeconomy

Examples

Examples of “guatemalan” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

We visited a stunning Guatemalan lake.
This is a typical Guatemalan recipe.

American English

She bought beautiful Guatemalan textiles.
He studies Guatemalan history.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to origin of goods, e.g., 'Guatemalan coffee beans.'

Academic

Used in geographical, anthropological, or political studies, e.g., 'Guatemalan societal structures.'

Everyday

Describing people, food, or travel, e.g., 'My neighbour is Guatemalan.'

Technical

In specific contexts like volcanology ('Guatemalan volcanoes') or agronomy.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “guatemalan”

Neutral

from Guatemala

Weak

Central American

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “guatemalan”

non-Guatemalanforeign

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “guatemalan”

Incorrect spelling: 'Guatamalan' (missing 'e').
Using lower case 'g'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, because it is derived from the proper noun 'Guatemala'.
: Not typically. The main language is Spanish, so one says 'Guatemalan Spanish'. Indigenous languages are referred to by name (e.g., K'iche', Kaqchikel).
: 'Guatemalan' is the English demonym. 'Guatemalteco/a' is the Spanish demonym.
: Yes, it is the standard noun form for a person from Guatemala (e.g., 'She is a Guatemalan').
: Relating to Guatemala, a country in Central America.
: Guatemalan is usually formal & informal in register.
: Guatemalan: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑː.təˈmɑː.lən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡwɑ.t̬əˈmɑː.lən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'GUATEmala' + 'AN' = 'Guatemalan'. Like 'American' from America.

Conceptual Metaphor

ORIGIN AS IDENTITY (e.g., 'Guatemalan' maps the concept of the country onto a person or product).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The capital city of is Guatemala City.

Multiple Choice

What is 'Guatemalan' primarily used as?