palestino

Palestinian

adjective pah-les-TEE-noh Less Common

Origin: From Latin Palaestinus, from Greek Palaistine, from Hebrew Peleshet (Philistia).

Usage Note

Palestino functions as both adjective and noun (el palestino, la palestina). In journalistic and political contexts it appears frequently in phrases like el pueblo palestino (the Palestinian people) and los territorios palestinos. The feminine form is palestina. It should not be confused with filipinos (Filipinos) in quick reading, though the words are quite distinct.

Examples

"El líder palestino habló ante la ONU."

Natural Translation

The Palestinian leader spoke before the UN.

Literal Translation

The leader Palestinian spoke before the UN.

Free starter pack

Building your Spanish vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common Spanish words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Say "You" in Spanish: Tú, Usted, Vos & Vosotros

Spanish has five words for "you": tú, usted, vos, vosotros, and ustedes. Learn which to use by who you're talking to and where — plus the verb endings.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

The Spanish Cheek Kiss: Greeting Etiquette by Country

Two kisses in Spain, one in most of Latin America. Master the Spanish cheek kiss greeting — which cheek first, the air-kiss mechanics, and when to shake hands.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read