native

Everyday

1. Belonging to a place since long ago, naturally — not brought in from somewhere else (native plants, native animals). tree →
2. Connected with where you were born (your native country). tree →
3. Native language / native speaker: the first language you learned as a baby. tree →
4. A native of a place: a person born there. tree →
5. Native Americans / Native peoples: the first peoples of the Americas (used with care; many prefer «Indigenous» or their own nation's name). tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography, native species are those that naturally live in an area (kangaroos are native to Australia; kiwi to New Zealand); introduced or invasive species can harm them. In history and social studies, Native Americans and First Nations peoples are the first inhabitants of North America. In language lessons «native speaker» means it is your first language. Phrases: native to, native species, native language, native speaker, Native American.

Examples

• Kangaroos are native to Australia. tree →
• The kiwi is a bird native to New Zealand. tree →
• We planted native flowers to help the bees. tree →
• My native language is Spanish, and I'm learning English. tree →
• She's a native of Dublin. tree →
• Rabbits are not native to Australia, and they harm the land. tree →
• We learned about the Native American nations of the Great Plains. tree →
• And after a time they reached their native country. tree →

Note

«Native to» a place (not «native of» for animals and plants; «a native of» is used for people). Do not call people «natives» in a careless way — it can sound rude; say Indigenous people, First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Māori, or the nation's name.

In Jewish tradition

In science and geography, native species are those that naturally live in an area (kangaroos are native to Australia; kiwi to New Zealand); introduced or invasive species can harm them. In history and social studies, Native Americans and First Nations peoples are the first inhabitants of North America. In language lessons «native speaker» means it is your first language. Phrases: native to, native species, native language, native speaker, Native American.

Examples

• I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a leafy tree in its native soil. (Writings PSA.37.35, JPS 1917) tree →
• Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him; but weep sore for him that goeth away, for he shall return no more, nor see his native country. (Prophets JER.22.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Native to» a place (not «native of» for animals and plants; «a native of» is used for people). Do not call people «natives» in a careless way — it can sound rude; say Indigenous people, First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Māori, or the nation's name.