In this lesson we’re looking at expressing nationalities in English. Let’s look at the words that help us talk about the origins of people and objects.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes.
– James.
Lesson Contents
Country nationalities
Adjectives formed from country names can be used to describe both people and objects that come from that country:
He’s a Scottish footballer.
They’re Scottish pastries.
Please note: The suffix -MAN at the end of nationalities does not necessarily mean that the person is male. -MAN can also mean -PEOPLE.
Country | Adjective | Person | People | Language(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Britain | British | a Brit | the British | English, Welsh, Gaelic |
Scotland | Scottish | a Scot | the Scottish | English, Gaelic |
France | French | a Frenchman | the French | French |
Germany | German | a German | the Germans | German |
Spain | Spanish | a Spaniard | the Spanish | Spanish |
Argentina | Argentinian | an Argentine | the Argentinians | Spanish |
The USA | American | an America | the Americans | English |
Switzerland | Swiss | a Swiss | the Swiss | German, French |
New Zealand | New Zealand* | a New Zealander | New Zealanders | English |
China | Chinese | a Chinaman | the Chinese | Mandarin, Cantonese |
*only used for objects, not for people
Complete the table that is similar to the one you’ve looked at in the lesson.
Country nationalities
As well as country nationalities, towns and areas can also have their own words.
Town / Area | Adjective | Person | People |
|---|---|---|---|
London | London* | a Londoner | Londoners |
Paris | Parisien | a Parisien | Parisiens |
Florida | Floridian | a Floridian | Floridians |
Manchester | Mancunian | a Mancunian | Mancunians |
Canberra | Canberran | a Canberran | Canberrans |
*only used for objects, not for people
Match the answers to the questions.
