Spanish word meaning 'women'; plural of 'mujer' (woman).
From Latin 'mulier, mulieris' meaning 'woman, wife'. The Latin word possibly derives from 'mollis' meaning 'soft, tender', though this etymology is debated. The word evolved through Vulgar Latin into Old Spanish and modern Spanish.
The famous Mexican tourist destination Isla Mujeres ('Island of Women') was named by Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in 1517, who found numerous female-shaped idols dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel. This demonstrates how place names often preserve ancient cultural and religious history.
Spanish for 'women.' The word itself is neutral, but historically excluded women from formal discourse, legal personhood, and economic participation in Spanish-speaking societies. Analysis of who gets to speak about 'mujeres' versus who speaks as 'mujeres' reveals power structures.
Use 'mujeres y hombres' (women and men) or context-specific references (e.g., 'mujeres trabajadoras'). When translating to English, maintain parallel visibility with equivalent male referents.
["mujeres y hombres","personas","población femenina"]
Women's language activism in Spanish-speaking regions—from Chicana feminists to Argentine linguists—has reclaimed and centered 'mujeres' as a political category. The word now signals collective power when used by women themselves.
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