# Catalan

/ˈkætəɫən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/catalan
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR B2

the Romance language spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and parts of Valencia and France.

For teachers: the Romance language spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Andorra, and parts of France, Italy, and the Valencian Community.

- She decided to learn Catalan before moving to Barcelona for her new job.
- While many residents are bilingual, Catalan remains the primary language of administration and education throughout the autonomous community.

### 2. a person

noun · CEFR B2

a person who comes from Catalonia in Spain.

For teachers: a native or inhabitant of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain.

- The famous architect Antoni Gaudí was a proud Catalan.
- Many Catalans maintain a strong sense of cultural identity that is distinct from the broader Spanish national identity.

### 3. relating to Catalonia

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to Catalonia, its people, its language, or its culture.

For teachers: of, from, or relating to Catalonia, its inhabitants, or its language.

- We enjoyed traditional Catalan food at a small restaurant near the coast.
- The exhibition focused on Catalan modernism, highlighting the unique artistic developments in Barcelona at the turn of the century.

## Examples

- She speaks Catalan at home.
- The sign was written in both Spanish and Catalan.
- Catalan literature has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, influencing the cultural identity of the region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.