Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Genocide in Spanish: Genocidio
Genocidio · noun (masculine) · heh-noh-SEE-dyoh
'Genocidio' is the Spanish translation of genocide, referring to the deliberate and systematic destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The term is used in legal, historical, and educational contexts. It is a cognate of the English word, sharing Latin and Greek roots.
Say heh-noh-SEE-dyoh, with four syllables and stress on the third. The 'g' before 'e' produces an 'h' sound in Spanish, and the 'ci' creates an 's' sound.
El genocidio es un crimen contra la humanidad reconocido por el derecho internacional.
Genocide is a crime against humanity recognized by international law.
How Native Speakers Use Genocidio
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
History class
Los estudiantes aprendieron sobre los genocidios del siglo XX en la clase de historia.
The students learned about the genocides of the twentieth century in history class.
An educational setting.
International law
La Convención de las Naciones Unidas define y condena el genocidio.
The United Nations Convention defines and condemns genocide.
Discussing international legal frameworks.
Memorial
Se inauguró un memorial dedicado a las víctimas del genocidio.
A memorial dedicated to the victims of the genocide was inaugurated.
Reporting on a commemorative event.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Genocidio
English pronunciation
Incorrect: Pronouncing it 'JEN-oh-side-ee-oh' with English sounds.
Correct: Use Spanish pronunciation: heh-noh-SEE-dyoh.
The Spanish 'g' before 'e' sounds like an English 'h,' and the word follows Spanish stress rules with emphasis on the third syllable.
Spelling error
Incorrect: El jenocidia fue condenado.
Correct: El genocidio fue condenado.
The correct spelling is 'genocidio' with 'g' (not 'j') and ending in '-io' (masculine), not '-ia.'
Lock in Genocide Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Genocidio used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using genocidio in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El genocidio es un crimen contra la humanidad reconocido por el derecho internacional. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Genocide in Spanish
- Is genocidio a cognate of genocide?
- Both words share the same etymological roots: the Greek 'genos' (race, people) and the Latin '-cidium' (killing), making them nearly identical in meaning and structure across both languages.
- How is genocidio used in academic contexts?
- In academic and legal Spanish, 'genocidio' appears in discussions of international humanitarian law, historical analysis, and human rights education as a precisely defined legal term.
- What is the plural of genocidio?
- The plural form is 'genocidios,' used when referring to multiple instances of this crime throughout history, as in 'los genocidios documentados en la historia moderna.'