Lael logo

raza means people — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 26, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

raza

noun • /[RA-sa]/

people

Example:

Toda la raza fue al concierto.

All the people went to the concert.

🧠 What does raza mean?

While 'raza' literally translates to 'race' or 'breed' in standard Spanish, in Mexican slang and in some Chicano communities, it takes on a much broader and warmer meaning. It is used colloquially to refer to one's people, group, community, or even just a general sense of camaraderie among those with shared backgrounds or experiences. It conveys a strong sense of belonging and shared identity, often emphasizing ethnic or cultural ties. When used in this informal context, it is a term of endearment and solidarity, not a biological classification.

📚 Extra examples

  • La raza siempre se apoya.
    Our people always support each other.
  • ¿Qué onda, mi raza?
    What's up, my people/folks?
  • Vamos a hacer una fiesta para toda la raza.
    Let's have a party for everyone in the community.
  • Esta música es para la raza que le gusta bailar.
    This music is for the people who like to dance.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'raza' as slang for 'people' or 'community' gained prominence and is deeply rooted in the Chicano movement and Mexican culture, often signifying a collective identity and solidarity.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "raza"

Synonyms: gente, pueblo, comunidad, parientes, familia
Opposites: extraños, desconocidos

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'people' in Spanish?
In standard Spanish, 'people' is translated as 'gente' or 'personas'. However, in informal Mexican slang, 'raza' can be used to mean 'people' in a more specific sense of community or one's own group.
How do you pronounce 'raza' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'raza' is 'RAH-sah'. The 'r' at the beginning is a rolled or trilled 'r', and the 'z' sounds like an 's' in most of Latin America, including Mexico.
How do you use 'raza' in a sentence?
In its slang meaning, 'raza' is typically used as a noun to refer to a group of people. For example, 'Mi raza está aquí' means 'My people are here.' It can also be used in greetings like 'Qué onda, raza?' which translates to 'What's up, people?'
What is the English translation of 'raza'?
The literal English translation of 'raza' is 'race' or 'breed'. However, in Mexican slang, it is often translated as 'people', 'community', 'kin', or 'folks', conveying a sense of shared identity and belonging.
Does 'raza' change for gender or number?
In its standard meaning ('race'), 'raza' is feminine and singular, referring to a single race or breed. As slang, it is generally used in a collective sense and does not typically inflect for gender or number in the way a standard noun would. It refers to the group as a whole.
Is 'raza' common in everyday Spanish?
The standard meaning of 'raza' (race) is common. However, its use as slang for 'people' or 'community' is primarily found in Mexico and among Chicano communities in the United States. It is not universally used in all Spanish-speaking countries for this purpose.
Does 'raza' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'raza' has a significant slang meaning in Mexican Spanish and related cultures. While its standard meaning refers to 'race' or 'breed', its slang usage refers to 'people' as a collective, emphasizing a shared identity, community, or group. This slang meaning is warmer and more informal than the standard one.
Is 'raza' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, 'raza' is almost exclusively used in its standard sense of 'race' or 'breed'. The slang meaning of 'people' or 'community' is characteristic of Mexican Spanish and is not generally used in Spain. In other parts of Latin America, its usage can vary, but it is most strongly associated with Mexican and Chicano culture.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store