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B2 noun 11 min read

aborigen

Examples aborigen in 30 Seconds
Explanation aborigen in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 'aborigen' as a word for people who lived in a place first, long ago. It is like saying 'the first people'. For example, if you see a picture of people from history who lived in the desert or the jungle before cities were built, they are 'aborígenes'. You don't need to use this word often at A1, but you might see it in simple books about history or nature. Remember: 'el aborigen' is a man, and 'la aborigen' is a woman. The word stays the same, only the 'el' or 'la' changes. It is a big word, but it just means 'from the beginning'. If you know the word 'native' in English, it is very similar. When you talk about the first people of Australia, you can use this word. It is a good word to know when you visit a museum or watch a movie about history. Just remember that it is a noun for a person and also an adjective to describe things like 'aboriginal art'.
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At the A2 level, you should know that 'aborigen' is used to talk about the original inhabitants of a country. You might use it when talking about the history of Latin America or Australia. For example, 'Los aborígenes vivían en Australia hace miles de años' (The aboriginals lived in Australia thousands of years ago). You should also notice that it can be an adjective: 'el arte aborigen' or 'la cultura aborigen'. A key thing to remember at this level is the plural form 'aborígenes'. Notice the accent on the 'í'. This is because when we make the word plural, the stress stays on the same part of the word, and we need the accent mark to show that. You might also hear the word 'indígena', which is a very common synonym. 'Aborigen' is a bit more formal. When you are reading simple news stories or history lessons, this word will start to appear more frequently. It is useful for describing the roots of a place.
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By B1, you are expected to use 'aborigen' in more descriptive contexts. You should understand that it refers not just to people, but also to plants and animals that are native to a region. For example, 'Esta es una planta aborigen de la selva' (This is a native plant of the jungle). You should be comfortable using it as both a noun and an adjective without confusing the gender. Remember, 'aborigen' doesn't change to 'aborigena'; it is 'la aborigen'. At this level, you should also be aware of the cultural context. In many Spanish-speaking countries, people might prefer the term 'pueblos originarios' in conversation, but 'aborigen' remains very common in textbooks and documentaries. You can use it to compare the past and the present: 'Antes de la llegada de los españoles, los aborígenes tenían sus propias leyes'. It is a precise word that helps you talk about heritage, biology, and history with more accuracy than just using 'nativo'.
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'aborigen' and its nuances. You should know its etymology (from the Latin 'ab origine') and how that informs its meaning: someone or something that has been there since the very beginning. You should be able to use it in academic or formal writing, ensuring the plural 'aborígenes' is always accented correctly. You should also understand the distinction between 'aborigen', 'indígena', and 'autóctono'. While 'indígena' is often used in political and social contexts, 'aborigen' is frequently used in historical and biological contexts. Furthermore, you should be aware of the specific use of 'aborigen' when referring to Australian Aboriginal people, as it is the standard term in Spanish for that group. At this level, you should be able to discuss complex topics like 'los derechos de los aborígenes' (aboriginal rights) or 'la preservación de la flora aborigen' (the preservation of native flora) using this word appropriately and fluently.
At the C1 level, you should use 'aborigen' with full awareness of its stylistic and political connotations. You should be able to navigate the sensitivities surrounding the term, knowing when 'pueblos originarios' might be a more appropriate choice in a modern social context to show respect and recognition of ongoing presence. You should also be able to use 'aborigen' in highly formal or scientific registers, perhaps alternating it with 'autóctono' to avoid repetition in a text about ecology or anthropology. Your use of the word should be grammatically flawless, including the invariable gender as an adjective and the common-gender status as a noun. You should also be familiar with related terms and how they differ, such as 'primigenio' or 'ancestral'. A C1 learner can analyze a text and understand why an author chose 'aborigen' over 'indígena'—perhaps to emphasize the temporal priority and the 'beginning' of a lineage or species.
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For a C2 speaker, 'aborigen' is a versatile tool in a vast vocabulary. You understand the word's place in the history of the Spanish language and its relationship to the colonial past. You can engage in deep debates about the terminology used to describe indigenous populations, discussing the evolution from 'aborigen' to 'indígena' and 'pueblos originarios'. You use the word in its most precise biological sense to describe endemic species and their role in biodiversity. You are also aware of the word's appearance in literature and how it can be used to evoke specific atmospheres or historical periods. Your mastery includes knowing that while 'aborigen' is a common-gender noun, in some very specific archaic or poetic contexts, you might see variations, though you stick to the standard modern usage. You can effortlessly integrate the word into high-level discourse on sociology, history, biology, and law, always with an eye for the most respectful and accurate terminology for the given context.
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Examples

aborigen in 30 Seconds

  • Aborigen refers to the original inhabitants (people, plants, or animals) of a region from the earliest known times.
  • It comes from the Latin 'ab origine', meaning 'from the beginning', highlighting ancestral roots.
  • Grammatically, it is a common-gender noun (el/la aborigen) and an invariable adjective (cultura aborigen).
  • The plural form always requires an accent: aborígenes. It is a formal and respectful term used in history and biology.

The Spanish word aborigen is a sophisticated noun and adjective that carries deep historical, biological, and sociological weight. At its core, it refers to a person, animal, or plant that has been in a specific country or region from the earliest known times. Derived from the Latin ab origine, meaning 'from the beginning', it suggests a connection to the land that precedes colonization, migration, or external introduction. In modern Spanish, while it is still widely used, it often shares space with terms like indígena or originario, depending on the geographical context and the level of formality or political sensitivity required.

Biological Context
In biology, an 'aborigen' species is one that is native to an ecosystem. For example, a tree that has grown in the Amazon for millennia is an aborigen species, whereas an eucalyptus tree brought from Australia is not. This usage highlights the concept of being 'autochthonous' or indigenous to the soil.

El estudio se centró en la flora aborigen de las islas Canarias, analizando plantas que no existen en ningún otro lugar del mundo.

Sociological Context
When referring to people, 'aborigen' is most commonly associated with the original inhabitants of a land. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is used to describe the pre-Columbian populations. However, it is crucial to note that in Australia, the term 'Aboriginal' (translated as aborigen) is the standard English term, and Spanish follows this when discussing Australian history.

Using 'aborigen' correctly requires an understanding of gender agreement. As a noun, it is a 'sustantivo común en cuanto al género', meaning the word doesn't change, but the article does: el aborigen for a male and la aborigen for a female. When used as an adjective, it is invariable in gender (e.g., un pueblo aborigen, una comunidad aborigen), but it does change for number (los aborígenes). This word is frequently found in academic texts, history books, and documentaries. It evokes a sense of ancient heritage and primordial roots. In everyday conversation, it might sound slightly more formal than 'indígena', but it remains a staple of the Spanish lexicon for discussing the foundations of a nation's identity.

La pintura aborigen australiana es famosa por su técnica de puntos y su profundo simbolismo espiritual.

Nuance in Usage
In some regions, 'aborigen' can feel slightly clinical or dated. When discussing political rights or cultural heritage, speakers might opt for 'indígena' to align with international legal terminology (like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). Nevertheless, 'aborigen' remains the primary term when the focus is on the chronological priority of habitation.

To summarize, use 'aborigen' when you want to emphasize that something or someone has been in a place 'from the beginning'. It is a powerful word that bridges the gap between biology and history, describing the deep-rooted inhabitants of our planet's diverse regions.

Mastering the use of aborigen involves understanding its dual role as a noun and an adjective, as well as its specific grammatical requirements. Because it is a B2-level word, it often appears in complex sentences that discuss history, environmental science, or sociology. Let's explore the various ways this word integrates into Spanish syntax.

As a Noun (People)
When referring to a person, 'aborigen' functions as a common-gender noun. The gender is indicated by the article. Example: 'El aborigen guió a los exploradores a través de la selva' (The [male] aboriginal guided the explorers through the jungle).

Muchos aborígenes luchan hoy por la restitución de sus tierras ancestrales en diversas partes del mundo.

As an Adjective (Describing Things)
When describing cultures, languages, or species, it acts as an adjective. It stays the same for masculine and feminine nouns. Example: 'La cultura aborigen' (The aboriginal culture) or 'El arte aborigen' (The aboriginal art).

In scientific contexts, 'aborigen' is used to distinguish native species from invasive or introduced ones. This is common in biology and ecology discussions. For instance, 'La fauna aborigen se ha visto amenazada por la introducción de especies exóticas' (The native fauna has been threatened by the introduction of exotic species). Here, the word provides a precise academic tone that 'nativo' might lack in a strictly scientific paper.

Es vital proteger el bosque aborigen para mantener el equilibrio ecológico de la región.

Prepositional Use
The word often follows prepositions like 'de' or 'con'. For example, 'una reserva de aborígenes' (a reservation of aboriginal people) or 'contacto con los aborígenes' (contact with the aboriginals).

When writing about history, you might use it to contrast the original inhabitants with later arrivals. 'A diferencia de los colonizadores, los aborígenes vivían en armonía con la naturaleza' (Unlike the colonizers, the aboriginals lived in harmony with nature). This sentence structure highlights the temporal priority that the word implies. Whether you are writing a university essay or a travel blog about Australia or the Amazon, 'aborigen' provides the necessary linguistic precision to describe those who were there 'from the beginning'.

You will encounter aborigen in specific spheres of Spanish-speaking life. It is not necessarily a word you would hear at a casual Sunday BBQ unless the conversation turns to history or politics, but it is ubiquitous in media, education, and official discourse.

In Documentaries and Media
Nature and history documentaries (like those on RTVE or National Geographic in Spanish) frequently use 'aborigen' to describe indigenous populations or native species. Narrators use it to create a sense of timelessness and ancient connection to the earth.

El documental narra la historia de los aborígenes del Amazonas y sus conocimientos medicinales.

In Academic and Educational Settings
In schools across Spain and Latin America, students learn about 'los pueblos aborígenes' when studying the history of their respective countries. It is the standard term used in textbooks to describe the civilizations that existed before the arrival of Europeans.

In Australia, the Spanish-speaking community and Spanish-language news outlets (like SBS Spanish) use 'aborigen' almost exclusively to translate 'Aboriginal'. This is an important distinction, as 'indígena' is more common in Latin America, but 'aborigen' is the preferred term when the subject is Australia. This geographic nuance is something advanced learners should keep in mind.

En el museo, vimos una exhibición sobre las lenguas aborígenes que aún se hablan en el norte del país.

In Legal and Political Contexts
Legal documents regarding land titles or indigenous rights often employ 'aborigen' or 'indígena'. You might hear it in political speeches when a leader is acknowledging the traditional owners of the land or discussing social justice issues.

Ultimately, 'aborigen' is a word of respect and historical accuracy. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Buenos Aires or watching a travel vlog about the Canary Islands, you will hear this word used to describe the deep, original roots of a place and its people.

Even though aborigen is a cognate of the English 'aboriginal', there are several pitfalls that English speakers and even native Spanish speakers often fall into. Understanding these will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

The Accent in Plural
The most common written mistake is omitting the accent in the plural form: aborígenes. The singular aborigen is a 'palabra llana' (stressed on the second-to-last syllable) ending in 'n', so it doesn't need an accent. However, the plural adds a syllable, making it an 'esdrújula' (stressed on the third-to-last syllable), which always requires an accent.

Incorrecto: Los aborigenes viven aquí.
Correcto: Los aborígenes viven aquí.

Gender Misagreement
Learners often try to say 'la aborigena' for a female. This is incorrect. The word is 'común en cuanto al género', so it remains 'la aborigen'. Similarly, as an adjective, it doesn't change to 'aborigena' to match a feminine noun like 'cultura'. It is 'la cultura aborigen', not 'la cultura aborigena'.

Another mistake is overusing 'aborigen' when 'indígena' or 'nativo' might be more appropriate. In Latin America, 'indígena' is often the preferred term for indigenous peoples, while 'aborigen' is sometimes seen as slightly more distant or academic. Using 'aborigen' to refer to a specific person in a casual setting might feel overly formal or even slightly dehumanizing if not used carefully. It's often better to use the specific name of the group (e.g., Mapuche, Quechua) if known.

Es mejor decir 'una mujer mapuche' que simplemente 'una aborigen' si conocemos su identidad específica.

Confusion with 'Nativo'
While they are synonyms, 'nativo' can refer to anyone born in a place (e.g., 'Soy nativo de Madrid'). 'Aborigen' implies a deeper, ancestral connection that goes back to the origins of the region. Don't use 'aborigen' just to mean someone was born in a city.

Lastly, be careful with the English false friend 'native'. In English, 'native' is often used where Spanish would use 'aborigen' or 'indígena'. If you say 'hablante nativo', you mean 'native speaker'. If you say 'hablante aborigen', you mean a speaker of an aboriginal language. These are very different things!

The Spanish language has a rich vocabulary for describing the original inhabitants and features of a land. Understanding the nuances between aborigen and its synonyms will elevate your fluency.

Indígena vs. Aborigen
These are often interchangeable. However, 'indígena' (from Latin indu 'within' and gignere 'to beget') is the most common term in legal and social justice contexts in Latin America. 'Aborigen' is slightly more academic or focused on the 'from the beginning' aspect. In Australia, 'aborigen' is the standard translation for 'Aboriginal'.

La ONU utiliza frecuentemente el término 'indígena', mientras que los libros de historia suelen hablar de pueblos aborígenes.

Autóctono
This is a more formal and scientific synonym. It is used frequently in biology to describe species that evolved in the place where they are found. In sociology, it refers to people who are 'of the soil itself'. It is a very high-level word (C1/C2).

Another important alternative is Pueblo Originario. This is a multi-word term that has gained immense popularity in recent decades, especially in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. It is considered more respectful and politically correct because it emphasizes that these peoples are the 'original' inhabitants and are still here today. In many official government documents, you will see 'pueblos originarios' instead of 'aborígenes'.

El reconocimiento de los derechos de los pueblos originarios es un paso crucial para la reconciliación nacional.

Nativo
As mentioned before, 'nativo' is the broadest term. It can mean 'native speaker' (hablante nativo) or simply someone born in a place. It lacks the deep ancestral connotation of 'aborigen'. For example, a person born in Sydney is a 'nativo de Sydney', but not necessarily an 'aborigen australiano'.

Choosing the right word depends on your audience. If you are writing a scientific paper, 'autóctono' or 'aborigen' works well. If you are engaging in social activism, 'pueblos originarios' or 'indígena' is better. If you are translating a text about Australia, 'aborigen' is the go-to term. Understanding these subtle differences is what separates a B2 learner from a C2 master.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /æbəˈrɪdʒɪn/
US /ˌæbəˈrɪdʒəni/
The stress is on the second-to-last syllable (ri) in the singular 'aborigen'. In the plural 'aborígenes', the stress is on the third-to-last syllable (rí).
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'g' like an English 'j'. In Spanish, 'ge' sounds like a raspy 'h'.
  • Forgetting the accent on the plural: aborígenes.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable in the singular.
  • Mispronouncing the 'b' as a hard English 'b' (it should be softer, almost like a 'v').
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Examples by Level

1

El aborigen vive en la selva.

The aboriginal lives in the jungle.

Note the use of 'el' for a male person.

2

La aborigen es de Australia.

The aboriginal woman is from Australia.

'Aborigen' does not change for gender, only the article 'la' does.

3

Es un dibujo aborigen.

It is an aboriginal drawing.

Here 'aborigen' is an adjective describing 'dibujo'.

4

Los aborígenes son antiguos.

The aboriginals are ancient.

Plural form 'aborígenes' requires an accent.

5

Vemos arte aborigen en el museo.

We see aboriginal art in the museum.

'Arte' is masculine, but 'aborigen' stays the same.

6

La música aborigen es bonita.

Aboriginal music is beautiful.

'Música' is feminine, but 'aborigen' stays the same.

7

Él es un niño aborigen.

He is an aboriginal boy.

Adjective use with a masculine noun.

8

Ellas son mujeres aborígenes.

They are aboriginal women.

Plural adjective matching a feminine plural noun.

1

Los aborígenes de Australia tienen una historia larga.

The aboriginals of Australia have a long history.

Use of 'de' to show origin.

2

Aprendemos sobre la cultura aborigen en la escuela.

We learn about aboriginal culture in school.

'Cultura aborigen' is a common noun-adjective pair.

3

Muchos aborígenes viven cerca de la naturaleza.

Many aboriginals live near nature.

Quantifier 'muchos' used with the plural noun.

4

El guía aborigen nos enseñó el camino.

The aboriginal guide showed us the way.

'Aborigen' as an adjective modifying 'guía'.

5

Vimos plantas aborígenes en el jardín botánico.

We saw native plants in the botanical garden.

Using 'aborigen' for plants.

6

La población aborigen es muy importante.

The aboriginal population is very important.

'Población' is feminine singular.

7

Ellos respetan las tradiciones aborígenes.

They respect aboriginal traditions.

Plural adjective 'aborígenes'.

8

El museo tiene una sección de arte aborigen.

The museum has an aboriginal art section.

Compound noun phrase.

1

Es necesario proteger el hábitat aborigen de estas especies.

It is necessary to protect the native habitat of these species.

Adjective use in an environmental context.

2

Los aborígenes americanos tenían conocimientos avanzados de astronomía.

The American aboriginals had advanced knowledge of astronomy.

Historical reference.

3

La lengua aborigen se está perdiendo en esta región.

The aboriginal language is being lost in this region.

Discussing linguistic heritage.

4

Ella trabaja con una comunidad aborigen en el norte.

She works with an aboriginal community in the north.

Preposition 'con' followed by 'comunidad aborigen'.

5

El gobierno reconoció los derechos de los aborígenes.

The government recognized the rights of the aboriginals.

Political/legal context.

6

Existen muchas leyendas aborígenes sobre la creación del mundo.

There are many aboriginal legends about the creation of the world.

Plural adjective 'leyendas aborígenes'.

7

El clima afectó la agricultura aborigen de la zona.

The climate affected the aboriginal agriculture of the area.

Adjective modifying 'agricultura'.

8

Me interesa mucho la historia aborigen de las Canarias.

I am very interested in the aboriginal history of the Canaries.

Specific geographic context.

1

La cosmovisión aborigen difiere significativamente de la occidental.

The aboriginal worldview differs significantly from the Western one.

Using 'cosmovisión' (worldview).

2

Se han encontrado restos de un antiguo asentamiento aborigen.

Remains of an ancient aboriginal settlement have been found.

Archaeological context.

3

El estudio analiza la genética de la población aborigen local.

The study analyzes the genetics of the local aboriginal population.

Scientific/Academic register.

4

La resistencia aborigen fue feroz durante la época colonial.

Aboriginal resistance was fierce during the colonial era.

Historical analysis.

5

Es un error considerar a los aborígenes como una cultura uniforme.

It is a mistake to consider aboriginals as a uniform culture.

Discussing cultural diversity.

6

La artesanía aborigen es una fuente importante de ingresos.

Aboriginal handicrafts are an important source of income.

Economic context.

7

Debemos valorar el conocimiento aborigen sobre las plantas medicinales.

We must value aboriginal knowledge about medicinal plants.

Focus on traditional knowledge.

8

La integración de los aborígenes en la sociedad moderna es un reto.

The integration of aboriginals into modern society is a challenge.

Sociological discussion.

1

La literatura indigenista rescata la voz del sujeto aborigen.

Indigenist literature rescues the voice of the aboriginal subject.

Literary criticism context.

2

La toponimia de la región tiene un claro origen aborigen.

The place names of the region have a clear aboriginal origin.

Linguistic/Geographic term 'toponimia'.

3

El derecho consuetudinario aborigen sigue vigente en algunas zonas.

Aboriginal customary law is still in force in some areas.

Legal term 'derecho consuetudinario'.

4

Se debate la pertinencia del término aborigen frente a indígena.

The relevance of the term 'aborigen' compared to 'indígena' is debated.

Metalinguistic discussion.

5

La impronta aborigen es visible en la arquitectura de la ciudad.

The aboriginal footprint is visible in the city's architecture.

Using 'impronta' (mark/footprint).

6

La marginación de los aborígenes es una herida abierta en el país.

The marginalization of aboriginals is an open wound in the country.

Abstract sociological metaphor.

7

El investigador se especializa en la etnografía aborigen patagónica.

The researcher specializes in Patagonian aboriginal ethnography.

Academic specialization.

8

La pervivencia de los ritos aborígenes asombra a los antropólogos.

The survival of aboriginal rites astonishes anthropologists.

Using 'pervivencia' (survival/persistence).

1

La ontología aborigen desafía los paradigmas de la modernidad.

Aboriginal ontology challenges the paradigms of modernity.

High-level philosophical term 'ontología'.

2

La expropiación de tierras aborígenes fue un proceso sistemático.

The expropriation of aboriginal lands was a systematic process.

Precise historical/legal terminology.

3

Se observa una revitalización de la identidad aborigen en la juventud.

A revitalization of aboriginal identity is observed in the youth.

Sociological observation.

4

La semántica del término aborigen ha evolucionado con el tiempo.

The semantics of the term 'aborigen' has evolved over time.

Linguistic analysis.

5

La cosmovisión aborigen está intrínsecamente ligada al territorio.

The aboriginal worldview is intrinsically linked to the territory.

Use of 'intrínsecamente'.

6

El discurso hegemónico a menudo invisibiliza al aborigen.

Hegemonic discourse often makes the aboriginal invisible.

Critical theory terminology.

7

La restitución de restos aborígenes es un tema de ética museística.

The restitution of aboriginal remains is a matter of museum ethics.

Specific ethical/legal debate.

8

La resiliencia aborigen frente a la aculturación es notable.

Aboriginal resilience in the face of acculturation is remarkable.

Complex psychological/sociological terms.

Common Collocations

pueblo aborigen
cultura aborigen
arte aborigen
flora aborigen
fauna aborigen
derechos aborígenes
comunidad aborigen
lengua aborigen
territorio aborigen
tradición aborigen

Common Phrases

de origen aborigen

— To have roots or ancestry in an indigenous group.

Ella es de origen aborigen.

población aborigen

— The total group of indigenous people in an area.

La población aborigen creció el año pasado.

asentamiento aborigen

— A place where indigenous people have established a home.

Encontraron un antiguo asentamiento aborigen.

pintura aborigen

— Specific style of art created by indigenous people.

Compré una pintura aborigen en el mercado.

música aborigen

— Traditional sounds and instruments of indigenous groups.

La música aborigen usa instrumentos de madera.

líder aborigen

— A person who heads an indigenous community.

El líder aborigen habló ante la prensa.

reserva aborigen

— Land set aside for indigenous people.

La reserva aborigen es muy extensa.

conocimiento aborigen

— Traditional wisdom passed down through generations.

El conocimiento aborigen sobre el clima es vital.

identidad aborigen

— The sense of belonging to an indigenous group.

Él está orgulloso de su identidad aborigen.

reivindicación aborigen

— The act of claiming rights or recognition for indigenous people.

La reivindicación aborigen es un movimiento fuerte.

Idioms & Expressions

"aborigen de pura cepa"

— To be 100% indigenous or original to a place.

Él es un aborigen de pura cepa.

Informal
"raíces aborígenes"

— Having ancestral connections to indigenous people.

Tengo raíces aborígenes por parte de mi abuela.

Neutral
"sangre aborigen"

— Metaphor for indigenous heritage.

Lleva sangre aborigen en las venas.

Literary
"en clave aborigen"

— Looking at something from an indigenous perspective.

Analizamos la historia en clave aborigen.

Formal
"sentimiento aborigen"

— A deep connection to indigenous identity.

El sentimiento aborigen es muy fuerte en la comunidad.

Neutral
"huella aborigen"

— The lasting impact or mark left by indigenous people.

La huella aborigen está en toda la región.

Literary
"alma aborigen"

— The spiritual core of indigenous culture.

El alma aborigen reside en la tierra.

Poetic
"voz aborigen"

— The representation or expression of indigenous viewpoints.

Debemos escuchar la voz aborigen.

Political
"legado aborigen"

— The heritage left by original inhabitants.

Nuestro legado aborigen es invaluable.

Formal
"tierra aborigen"

— Land that belongs to or is associated with indigenous people.

Estamos pisando tierra aborigen.

Neutral
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