Elite in Different Languages
Discover 'Elite' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
The word 'elite' is a powerful term that signifies a small group of people who have achieved a high level of success or influence in a particular field. This exclusivity can be seen in various cultural contexts, making it a universally recognized concept. Understanding the translation of 'elite' in different languages can provide valuable insights into how diverse societies perceive and value exceptional achievements.
Historically, the concept of 'elite' can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where rulers and warriors were considered elite due to their power and status. In modern times, the term is often used to describe successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and intellectuals. But no matter the era or culture, the elite consistently represent the best of the best.
For a global audience interested in language and culture, exploring the translations of 'elite' can be a fascinating journey. Here are a few examples:
- French: élite
- Spanish: élite
- German: Elite
- Italian: élite
- Chinese: 精英 (jīng yīng)
- Japanese: エリート (erīto)
Elite
Elite in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | elite | ||
| In Afrikaans, "elite" may also refer to a species of tree known as the Yellowwood or Pod Mahogany. | |||
| Amharic | ቁንጮዎች | ||
| The Amharic word ቁንጮዎች can refer to an elite social group or a type of bread, depending on the context. | |||
| Hausa | fitattu | ||
| In Hausa, the word "fitattu" not only means "elite," but also carries connotations of "distinctive" or "special." | |||
| Igbo | ndị ọkachamara | ||
| The Igbo word "ndị ọkachamara" is derived from the verb stem "-ọka" meaning "to know," and the noun "ama" meaning "knowledge, wisdom." | |||
| Malagasy | sangany | ||
| The word "sangany" in Malagasy also means "to get away with something" or "to be untouchable"} | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | osankhika | ||
| It is also used in the phrase 'osankhika pa ntchito' which means 'highly skilled employee' | |||
| Shona | vepamusoro | ||
| The Shona word "vepamusoro" is derived from the word "pamusoro," meaning "on top" or "above," and is used to describe those who are considered to be superior or of higher status. | |||
| Somali | aqoonyahanno | ||
| The word "aqoonyahanno" is derived from the Arabic word "aqeedah", which means "creed" or "belief system." | |||
| Sesotho | batho ba phahameng | ||
| The term 'batho ba phahameng' also refers to the 'big people' (chiefs and headmen) in the traditional political structure. | |||
| Swahili | wasomi | ||
| The word "wasomi" in Swahili, meaning "elite," is derived from the Arabic word "wasama" meaning "to mark" or "distinguish." | |||
| Xhosa | abantu abakumgangatho ophakamileyo | ||
| Yoruba | gbajumo | ||
| The term 'Gbajumo' is also used in the Yoruba language to describe a 'leader' or 'chief'. | |||
| Zulu | abaphezulu | ||
| "Abaphezulu" is likely a compound of "abantu" (people) and "iphezulu" (above, height), so "those above" or "those higher up," i.e., the elite. | |||
| Bambara | elite (jamanatigiba). | ||
| Ewe | ame ŋkutawo | ||
| Kinyarwanda | intore | ||
| Lingala | elite ya bato ya lokumu | ||
| Luganda | abakulu | ||
| Sepedi | maemo a godimo | ||
| Twi (Akan) | nnipa atitiriw | ||
Elite in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | النخبة | ||
| The word "النخبة" ("elite") in Arabic is also used to refer to the "cream of the crop" or the "best of the best" in a given field or group. | |||
| Hebrew | עִלִית | ||
| The Hebrew word עִלִית (elite) originally meant "upper room" or "attic". | |||
| Pashto | اشراف | ||
| اشراف also refers to religious leaders in Shia Islam, particularly to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. | |||
| Arabic | النخبة | ||
| The word "النخبة" ("elite") in Arabic is also used to refer to the "cream of the crop" or the "best of the best" in a given field or group. | |||
Elite in Western European Languages
| Albanian | elitë | ||
| In Albanian, "elitë" also refers to a traditional women's headdress worn in central Albania to signify marital status. | |||
| Basque | elitea | ||
| In Basque, "elitea" refers to the "highest part of the grain" and is also used as the "flower" of the grain. | |||
| Catalan | elit | ||
| The Catalan word "elit" also means "elect" or "chosen" from the Latin "electus". | |||
| Croatian | elita | ||
| In Croatian, "elita" can also refer to a small group of people who are highly skilled or knowledgeable in a particular field. | |||
| Danish | elite | ||
| In Danish, "elite" can also mean "the best", "the cream of the crop", or "the chosen few". | |||
| Dutch | de elite | ||
| In Dutch, the word "de elite" also means "a group of people who are considered to be the best or most important in a society". | |||
| English | elite | ||
| The word "elite" derives from the French word "élire," meaning "to choose" or "to select," and is related to the word "elect" in English. | |||
| French | élite | ||
| The French word "élite" can also refer to a spinning top or a kind of small, round cheese. | |||
| Frisian | elite | ||
| The Frisian word "elite" also means "elite" in general, like when referring to a group of people. | |||
| Galician | elite | ||
| In Galician, "elite" is also used as a noun to refer to a type of beer. | |||
| German | elite | ||
| The term "elite" originates from the French and Latin word "eligere", which means to select or to choose. | |||
| Icelandic | elíta | ||
| The Icelandic word "elíta" can also mean "a small group of people who share a common interest" | |||
| Irish | mionlach | ||
| The Irish word "mionlach" (elite) comes from the Old Irish word "mionla", meaning "fine" or "noble". | |||
| Italian | elite | ||
| "Elite" is also the name of an Italian bicycle manufacturer, and is used to describe their top-end racing bikes. | |||
| Luxembourgish | elite | ||
| In Luxembourgish, the word “elite” can also refer to an exclusive group or organization. | |||
| Maltese | elite | ||
| In Maltese, "elite" can also mean "picked", "chosen", or "selected". | |||
| Norwegian | elite | ||
| In Norwegian "elite" is also used for the upper class of society, "den norske eliten". | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | elite | ||
| In Portuguese, "elite" can also refer to the most skilled athletes in a given sport or the most experienced members of a profession. | |||
| Scots Gaelic | mionlach | ||
| The word "mionlach" can also refer to a fine, precious, or choice thing, person, or quality. | |||
| Spanish | élite | ||
| The Spanish word "élite" derives from the French "élite", meaning "choice" or "select", and originally referred to the best soldiers in an army. | |||
| Swedish | elit | ||
| In Swedish, "elit" can also refer to a "class" or a "group" of people. | |||
| Welsh | elitaidd | ||
| The Welsh word 'elitaidd' also refers to a certain type of cheese which originated in Italy as 'caciocavallo'. | |||
Elite in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | эліта | ||
| The word "эліта" in Belarusian can also refer to a group of people who are considered to be the best or most important in a society. | |||
| Bosnian | elita | ||
| The word "elita" in Bosnian is derived from the French word "élite", meaning a select group of people who are superior to others. | |||
| Bulgarian | елит | ||
| The Bulgarian word "елит" can also refer to a type of wool or a special breed of sheep. | |||
| Czech | elita | ||
| In Czech, "elita" can also refer to a group of people in a privileged position, such as the upper class or the intelligentsia. | |||
| Estonian | eliit | ||
| The word "eliit" comes from the French word "élite". | |||
| Finnish | eliitti | ||
| In Finnish, the word "eliitti" also refers to the highest quality beer produced by Finnish breweries. | |||
| Hungarian | elit | ||
| The Hungarian word "elit" is derived from the French word "élite" and can refer to a chosen group of people who are considered to be superior to others in terms of intellect, talent, or social standing. | |||
| Latvian | elite | ||
| In Latvian, "elite" is an adjective with synonyms like "exquisite," "elegant," or "magnificent." | |||
| Lithuanian | elitas | ||
| The word "elitas" is derived from the French word "élite", which means "the best" or "the chosen ones". | |||
| Macedonian | елита | ||
| The Macedonian word "елита" can also mean "the chosen ones" or "the best". | |||
| Polish | elita | ||
| As an adjective or noun, "elita" can also mean "a small group of superior people." | |||
| Romanian | elită | ||
| The Romanian word "elită" derives from the French "élite" meaning "chosen" and the Latin word "eligere" meaning to select. | |||
| Russian | элита | ||
| Russian "элита" can also refer to the elite troops, i.e. the best, most well-trained troops of the army. | |||
| Serbian | елита | ||
| The Serbian word елита, a loanword from Greek, also means 'select' in an electoral context. | |||
| Slovak | elita | ||
| The word "elita" originally referred to a military detachment in the Slovak language. | |||
| Slovenian | elita | ||
| The Slovenian word "elita" also means "the cream of society" or "the best of the best." | |||
| Ukrainian | еліта | ||
| The word 'еліта' in Ukrainian can also refer to the best or most skilled members of a group, regardless of their social class. | |||
Elite in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | অভিজাত | ||
| The literal translation for অভিজাত can include 'of a better race' or as 'not from ordinary people'. | |||
| Gujarati | ભદ્ર | ||
| The word "ભદ્ર" is also used to address monks and Jain nuns in the Jain community. | |||
| Hindi | अभिजात वर्ग | ||
| The word "अभिजात वर्ग" also means "well-born" or "of noble birth" in Hindi. | |||
| Kannada | ಗಣ್ಯರು | ||
| It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'ganayaka' which means 'chief' or 'leader'. | |||
| Malayalam | വരേണ്യവർഗം | ||
| The term 'വരേണ്യവർഗം' in Malayalam means a group or category of people who are highly regarded for their status, position, or achievements. | |||
| Marathi | अभिजन | ||
| "अभिजन" (abhijana) in Marathi is a compound word derived from the Sanskrit words "abhi" (towards) and "jana" (birth). | |||
| Nepali | कुलीन | ||
| "कुलीन" derives from words meaning "family" and "conduct," thus also meaning "gentleman," or "well-bred." | |||
| Punjabi | ਕੁਲੀਨ | ||
| The word 'ਕੁਲੀਨ' can also refer to someone of high social status or aristocracy. | |||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | ප්රභූ පැලැන්තිය | ||
| Tamil | உயரடுக்கு | ||
| உயரடுக்கு (elite) can also refer to the highest class or group in society. | |||
| Telugu | ఉన్నతవర్గం | ||
| ఉన్నతవర్గం (Unnathavargam) is an abstract noun meaning the best in a group or class, and is derived from the Sanskrit word 'unnatha' meaning 'high' or 'elevated'. | |||
| Urdu | اشرافیہ | ||
| The term "اشرافیہ" in Urdu, meaning "elite", is derived from Persian and Arabic roots, and has connotations of aristocracy, privilege, and social status. | |||
Elite in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 精英 | ||
| 精英 (jīngyīng) also means "essence," "cream," or "the best of something." | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 精英 | ||
| "精英" (élǐng) was once a military term referring to the best soldiers selected by the commander. | |||
| Japanese | エリート | ||
| In Japanese, the word "エリート" (elite) can also refer to a group of highly skilled workers or professionals in a particular field. | |||
| Korean | 엘리트 | ||
| The Korean word "엘리트" originates from the French word "élite", meaning "the best" or "the chosen ones". | |||
| Mongolian | элит | ||
| The word 'элит' can also refer to a small group of people who have special privileges or advantages. | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | အထက်တန်းလွှာ | ||
Elite in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | elite | ||
| Kata serapan dari bahasa Inggris yang berarti 'pilihan' atau 'terbaik' | |||
| Javanese | elit | ||
| The Javanese word "elit" can also refer to a type of traditional dance from Central Java. | |||
| Khmer | វរជន | ||
| The term "វរជន" (elite) in Khmer is derived from the Sanskrit word "vara" (good or superior) and "jana" (person). | |||
| Lao | ຊັ້ນສູງ | ||
| Malay | golongan elit | ||
| The word "golongan elit" (elite) in Malay derives from the Tamil word "kulam" meaning "family" or "lineage". | |||
| Thai | ผู้ลากมากดี | ||
| The Thai word "ผู้ลากมากดี" (elite) is derived from the Khmer word "លក្ខមណ្ឌល" (lakhmandal), which refers to a royal administrative division. | |||
| Vietnamese | ưu tú | ||
| In Vietnamese, "ưu tú" literally means "excellent." | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | elite | ||
Elite in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | elit | ||
| The word “elit” in Azerbaijani has an additional meaning, “people” | |||
| Kazakh | элита | ||
| The word "элита" (elite) is borrowed from French and originally meant "the best and most distinguished part of a group or class". | |||
| Kyrgyz | элита | ||
| In Kyrgyz, 'элита' can also mean 'a group of people who are considered to be superior to others'. | |||
| Tajik | элита | ||
| Элита (от фр. élite — отборный, лучший) — наиболее влиятельная часть общества, обладающая властью и богатством. | |||
| Turkmen | elita | ||
| Uzbek | elita | ||
| Элита Паре латинча мен элита сони можлиста и синонимали класса. | |||
| Uyghur | سەرخىللار | ||
Elite in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | elite | ||
| The word "elite" in Hawaiian is also used to describe something of great value or importance. | |||
| Maori | rangatira | ||
| Rangatira can also refer to a 'person of chiefly rank' or an expert in a trade, profession, or craft. | |||
| Samoan | taʻutaʻua | ||
| The word "taʻutaʻua" in Samoan can also refer to a group of high-ranking chiefs or a chiefly title. | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | elite | ||
| In Tagalog, "elite" also refers to people with high social status or those who wield significant influence. | |||
Elite in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | élite ukax mä jach’a uñacht’äwiwa | ||
| Guarani | élite rehegua | ||
Elite in International Languages
| Esperanto | elito | ||
| The word "elito" comes from the French word "elite", which in turn derives from the Latin word "eligere", meaning "to choose". | |||
| Latin | electi | ||
| The Latin word "electi" can also refer to "chosen ones" or "elect" in a religious context. | |||
Elite in Others Languages
| Greek | αφρόκρεμα | ||
| The word "αφρόκρεμα" (elite) in Greek literally means "the cream of the foam". | |||
| Hmong | cov neeg tseem ceeb | ||
| Cov neeg tseem ceeb, literally 'those who are always watching', are the respected elders who are always present to witness important family events in Hmong culture. | |||
| Kurdish | elît | ||
| The Kurdish word "elît" originates from the Persian word "elât" which refers to a nomadic tribe or clan. | |||
| Turkish | seçkinler | ||
| The word "seçkinler" comes from the Turkish verb "seçmek" (to choose), indicating a group of people who have been "chosen" for their outstanding qualities or high status. | |||
| Xhosa | abantu abakumgangatho ophakamileyo | ||
| Yiddish | עליט | ||
| The Yiddish word "עליט" is the equivalent of the German word "Elite", and its meaning in both languages relates to a small group possessing certain distinguished qualities. | |||
| Zulu | abaphezulu | ||
| "Abaphezulu" is likely a compound of "abantu" (people) and "iphezulu" (above, height), so "those above" or "those higher up," i.e., the elite. | |||
| Assamese | অভিজাত শ্ৰেণী | ||
| Aymara | élite ukax mä jach’a uñacht’äwiwa | ||
| Bhojpuri | अभिजात वर्ग के लोग के | ||
| Dhivehi | އެލައިޓް އެވެ | ||
| Dogri | अभिजात वर्ग | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | elite | ||
| Guarani | élite rehegua | ||
| Ilocano | elite ti | ||
| Krio | elit dɛn | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | نوخبە | ||
| Maithili | अभिजात वर्ग | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯏꯂꯤꯠ ꯑꯣꯏꯕꯥ꯫ | ||
| Mizo | elite te an ni | ||
| Oromo | elite jedhamuun beekama | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ଅଭିଜିତ | ||
| Quechua | elite nisqa | ||
| Sanskrit | अभिजात वर्ग | ||
| Tatar | элита | ||
| Tigrinya | ኤሊት ዝበሃሉ ምዃኖም ይፍለጥ | ||
| Tsonga | va xiyimo xa le henhla | ||