Inclusive Spanish Writing: Tips, Tricks & Traps

From compañero/a to “el personal”—let’s talk about how to keep your copy inclusive and readable

From the bottom of my heart mind

Fresh stories from a Spanish Copywriter.

One of the main challenges as a Spanish Localization Copywriter (and I know this happens in other languages too) is to write in an inclusive way, specially gender wise.

Look at this from Google Translator, for instance:

While in English, most of the time is easy, in Spanish is all the opposite.

Why? Because Spanish is a gendered language. We can't write "a teammate" without also giving them a gender. The language makes you choose — even if you don’t want to.

The default is masculine. But… should it be?

Traditionally, when addressing a mixed-gender group, Spanish defaults to the masculine plural:

• Los empleados

• Bienvenidos todos

• Los usuarios

But if we’re aiming for true inclusivity, especially in contexts like tech, education, or healthcare, that default can feel outdated or exclusionary.

And let’s be real — if your brand or product says it's for everyone, your language should reflect that.

So… what are our options?

Here’s where things get tricky (and kinda fun). Let’s explore a few inclusive strategies with pros, cons, and when to use each:

1. Double up: compañero y compañera

Use when: you’re okay with longer copy
Example:

“Cada compañero y compañera de equipo recibirá acceso al portal.”

✅ Inclusive
❌ Wordy — now imagine this in a mobile app UI 😅

2. Split with a slash: compañero/a

Use when: you're writing short copy and want to include both
Example:

“Invita a tu compañero/a de trabajo”

✅ Quick, readable
❌ Still tied to binary genders (doesn’t include non-binary folks)

3. Neutral alternatives: Use non-gendered nouns

Use when: you can reword without losing meaning
Example:

Instead of “los estudiantes”, try “el alumnado”
Instead of “los trabajadores”, try “el personal”

✅ 100% inclusive
❌ Not always possible, especially in casual or playful copy

4. Use the -e or @ or X

• Bienvenid@s, todxs, amigues

Use when: you’re targeting progressive audiences and your brand allows it
✅ Seen as inclusive by younger or activist audiences
❌ Not standard grammar, can be unreadable by screen readers or confusing in formal contexts

My go-to option would be always to try the number 3: dedicate time and resources to create neutral alternatives. And yes, at the beginning looks difficult, but, after years doing so, is more than possible in a lot of cases.

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Outside the desk

Where the magic really happens.

🚙 I’m still traveling around Albania (flying back to Spain today).

🫓 The first foreign country I lived in was North Macedonia in 2016 and I basically survived thanks to a Balkan meal called “Burek”. I’ve been able to eat it again here.

♥️ And I confirm my love for this piece of Europe and a promiss to visit the Balkans again next year. Which country? TBD.

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Make it global, baby

If you want to work with me, this is the way.

🚀 Want to take your brand to the next Spanish level? Hit the “reply” bottom and let’s talk.

📬 Want to appear in one of the next issues? Let’s see how we can work it out.

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All the best for the rest of your week,

💙 Ricky from Textonality.com 💙