Native speaker is a difficult term in linguistics. On The English Hub we use a practical server definition so everyone knows what we mean in rules, roles, and channel access.
Our definition
A native speaker is someone who learned English as the language of the place where they were raised through childhood — not as a foreign language studied later. English was absorbed naturally in daily life: at home, at school, and in the community around them.
What that means in practice
You should have lived in an English-speaking culture during childhood so that English feels effortless in everyday situations. Passing an advanced exam alone does not make someone a native speaker under this definition. Neither does living abroad as an adult for several years.
Why we define it
Some channels, events, and volunteer roles distinguish native speakers from learners. The goal is fair practice spaces — learners get room to make mistakes, and native speakers know when they are supporting others rather than being graded like students.
If you are unsure how you fit, focus on honest self-description and ask in report-help rather than arguing about labels in public chat.