Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Peasant in Spanish: Campesino
Campesino · noun (masculine) · kahm-peh-SEE-noh
The Spanish word for peasant is 'campesino,' derived from 'campo' (countryside). Unlike the often derogatory connotation of 'peasant' in English, 'campesino' is widely used in Latin America as a neutral or even respectful term for rural farmers and agricultural workers.
Pronounce 'campesino' as kahm-peh-SEE-noh, stressing the third syllable. The feminine form 'campesina' is pronounced kahm-peh-SEE-nah.
Los campesinos cosecharon el maíz antes de la temporada de lluvias.
The peasants harvested the corn before the rainy season.
Peasant in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for peasant, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| campesino | peasant | kahm-peh-SEE-noh | Default, widely understood |
| peón | peasant | laborer, especially in agricultural contexts | |
| aldeano | peasant | villager, rural dweller |
How Native Speakers Use Campesino
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Rural life
Los campesinos de la región cultivan café orgánico.
The peasants in the region grow organic coffee.
Describing agricultural activities in a rural community.
Historical context
Los campesinos lucharon por la reforma agraria en el siglo XX.
The peasants fought for agrarian reform in the 20th century.
Discussing historical social movements.
Market day
La campesina vendía frutas frescas en el mercado local.
The peasant woman sold fresh fruits at the local market.
Describing a scene at a traditional outdoor market.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Campesino
Using 'campesino' as an insult
Incorrect: No seas campesino, usa los cubiertos.
Correct: No seas maleducado, usa los cubiertos.
While English 'peasant' can be used as an insult implying lack of sophistication, 'campesino' in Spanish primarily means farmer and using it pejoratively can be offensive to rural communities.
Confusing with 'paisano'
Incorrect: Los paisanos trabajan la tierra.
Correct: Los campesinos trabajan la tierra.
'Paisano' means fellow countryman or compatriot, not a farmer or peasant. The two words have distinct meanings despite sounding somewhat similar.
Lock in Peasant 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 Campesino used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using campesino in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Los campesinos cosecharon el maíz antes de la temporada de lluvias. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Peasant in Spanish
- Is 'campesino' offensive in Spanish?
- In most Spanish-speaking countries, 'campesino' is a neutral or dignified term that simply means a rural farmer, and it is used officially by governments, organizations, and the media without negative connotation.
- What is the feminine form?
- The feminine form is 'campesina,' following standard Spanish gender rules, and it is used naturally to refer to women who work in agriculture or live in rural areas.
- How is 'campesino' different from 'agricultor'?
- While 'agricultor' is a more technical term for someone who practices agriculture professionally, 'campesino' carries a broader cultural identity tied to rural life, community, and tradition beyond just farming.