Castellano
|cas-te-lla-no|
🇺🇸
/ˌkæs.təˈlɑː.noʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˌkæs.təˈlɑː.nəʊ/
Of Castile; Castilian language
Etymology
'Castellano' originates from Medieval Latin and Old Spanish, specifically the Medieval Latin word 'castellanus' and Old Spanish 'castellano', where 'castellum' meant 'castle' and the suffix '-anus' indicated 'pertaining to'.
'Castellano' changed from Medieval Latin 'castellanus' (meaning 'of the castle' or 'pertaining to a castellan') into Old Spanish 'castellano' and eventually into the modern Spanish 'Castellano'; the related English form 'Castilian' derives from the same root.
Initially, it meant 'of the castle' or 'pertaining to a castellan'; over time it shifted to mean 'pertaining to Castile' and then came to denote the language and people of Castile (the modern meaning: 'Castilian' or the Castilian variety of Spanish).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the Castilian language (the variety of Spanish originating in Castile), often used interchangeably with 'Spanish' in Spain.
Many students choose to study Castellano to improve their understanding of Spanish literature.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person from Castile (a Castilian).
The Castellano welcomed us with traditional songs.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to Castile or its language; Castilian.
Castellano customs are still celebrated in many towns.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/27 14:26