mexicano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary, or when specifically using Spanish.
Quick answer
What does “mexicano” mean?
A Spanish term for a male person from Mexico.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Spanish term for a male person from Mexico.
As an adjective, describes things originating from or associated with Mexico (e.g., culture, food, style). In English contexts, often appears in titles, proper names, or when intentionally using the Spanish term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. Usage is equally rare in both varieties, tied to Spanish-language contexts.
Connotations
Evokes authenticity, a direct link to the Spanish language, or a specific cultural/literary reference.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English corpora. Higher likelihood in regions with significant Spanish-speaking populations or in cultural studies.
Grammar
How to Use “mexicano” in a Sentence
El + mexicano + verbmexicano + de + originser + mexicanoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mexicano” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gallery specialised in arte mexicano.
American English
- They serve authentic café mexicano.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in branding/marketing for authentic Mexican products.
Academic
Used in Spanish language, literature, or Latin American studies courses.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent in English monolingual conversation.
Technical
In linguistics when discussing Spanish demonyms or loanwords.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mexicano”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mexicano”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mexicano”
- Using 'mexicano' in an English sentence expecting it to be the standard term (e.g., 'He is a mexicano').
- Misspelling as 'mexicanio' or 'mexicanos' when intending the singular.
- Incorrect pronunciation (e.g., /mɛkˈsɪkənəʊ/) instead of the Spanish approximation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a direct loanword from Spanish. It is not a core vocabulary item in English and is used only in specific contexts where Spanish terminology is relevant.
In Spanish, the feminine form is 'mexicana'. This distinction is not applied when using the English word 'Mexican'.
Use it only when you are intentionally writing or speaking in Spanish, or quoting a Spanish text/title. In all other English contexts, use 'Mexican'.
Approximate the Spanish pronunciation: /ˌmɛhɪˈkɑːnoʊ/. The 'x' is pronounced like a soft 'h' /h/, and the stress is on the third syllable (-CA-).
A Spanish term for a male person from Mexico.
Mexicano is usually formal, literary, or when specifically using spanish. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No hay mal que por bien no venga (Mexicano proverbio)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MEXI-CANO': The 'CANO' sounds like 'canoe', picturing a traditional canoe used in Mexico.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORIGIN AS ROOT: 'El mexicano' carries his homeland as an intrinsic part of identity.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'mexicano' most appropriately used in an English-language text?