Sorry! Search is currently unavailable while the database is being updated, it will be back in 5 mins!

Understanding Diphthongs, Triphthongs, and Hiatuses in Spanish

In Spanish, vowels play a key role in how syllables and words are formed, especially when multiple vowels appear together. Today, we will explore three key concepts related to vowel interaction: diphthongs, triphthongs, and hiatuses.

 

diptongo, triptongo, hiato

 

1. Diphthongs (Diptongos)

A diphthong occurs when two vowels are combined within the same syllable. In Spanish, these vowels can either be both closed vowels (i.e., "i" and "u"), or one open vowel (like "a," "e," or "o") paired with a closed vowel.

 

Example: Italia and Florencia

 

"Cuando fuimos a Italia nos quedamos una semana en Florencia".

"When we went to Italy, we stayed for a week in Florence."

Caption 21, Aprendiendo con Silvia Significados, usos y expresiones con "quedar" - Part 3

 Play Caption

 

Both Italia and Florencia end with a diphthong, combining the closed vowel "i" and the open vowel "a" in the last syllable.

 

Example: Ciudad

 

Popayán es una ciudad que está ubicada en el sudoeste de Colombia,

Popayan is a city that is located in the southwest of Colombia,

Caption 3, Viajando con Carlos Popayán - Colombia - Part 1

 Play Caption

 

In the word ciudad, the diphthong is found in the second-to-last syllable, formed by the two closed vowels "i" and "u."

 

These vowel combinations create fluid sounds within a single syllable, a common feature in many Spanish words.

banner4 PLACEHOLDER

2. Triphthongs (Triptongos)

A triphthong is when three vowels are pronounced together in a single syllable. For a triphthong to occur, there must be an open vowel (like "a," "e," or "o") sandwiched between two closed vowels (like "i" and "u").

 

Example: Estudiáis

 

como por ejemplo, en "vosotros estudiáis".

like for example, in "vosotros estudiáis" ["you guys study"].

Caption 24, Carlos explica Acentuación Cap. 5: Diptongo, triptongo, hiato

 Play Caption

 

This word is a great example of a triphthong. The open vowel "a" is surrounded by the two closed vowels "i," creating a single syllable where all three vowels are pronounced together.

 

Example: Uruguay

 

Fermín también me preguntaba quién toma más mate, si Uruguay o Argentina.

Fermín was also asking me who drinks more mate, whether Uruguay or Argentina.

Captions 49-50, Viajando con Fermín La Feria Internacional de los Países de Fuengirola - Part 2

 Play Caption

 

The "y" at the end of Uruguay acts like the vowel "i," forming a triphthong along with the "u" and the "a" earlier in the word.

 

Triphthongs are less common than diphthongs but are often found in verbs conjugated for the second-person plural form in Spain.

banner3 PLACEHOLDER

3. Hiatuses (Hiatos)

A hiatus occurs when two vowels appear together but belong to different syllables. This can happen when the two vowels are both open or when there is an emphasis on a closed vowel next to an open vowel.

 

Example: Leer

 

Sobre todo para aprender idiomas es fundamental leer.

Especially to learn languages, it's essential to read.

Caption 5, Adriana La lectura - Part 2

 Play Caption

 

In leer, the two "e"s are pronounced separately, each belonging to a different syllable: le-er. This breaks up what could have been a diphthong.

 

Example: Egoísta

 

Es que ahí está pintado el egoísta ese.

It's just that that's exactly like that selfish guy.

Caption 55, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 2 - Part 10

 Play Caption

 

In the word egoísta, we see a hiatus between the vowels "o" and "í." The closed vowel "í" is stressed, creating a break between "o" and "í" and making them part of separate syllables: e-go-ís-ta.

 

Example: Día

 

Es decir, estás teniendo un buen día,

In other words, you're having a good day,

Caption 20, Soledad Personas tóxicas

 Play Caption

 

In the word día, the closed vowel "i" is emphasized, creating a break between the "i" and the open vowel "a," resulting in two syllables.

 

Example: Búho

 

"¿Quién eres tú?", preguntó Ada al ver a un búho que bajaba volando.

"Who are you?" Ada asked when she saw an owl that was flying down.

Captions 4-6, Silvia nos cuenta El bosque encantado y las emociones mágicas - Part 3

 Play Caption

 

Even though the "h" is silent in Spanish, it doesn’t interfere with the vowel interaction. In búho, the two vowels "u" and "o" are part of different syllables, forming a hiatus.

 

Understanding diphthongs, triphthongs, and hiatuses is essential for mastering Spanish pronunciation and accentuation. Diphthongs and triphthongs allow vowels to merge into smooth sounds within syllables, while hiatuses create a clear division between syllables, even when vowels are side by side.

 

By recognizing these patterns, learners can improve their fluency and pronunciation accuracy in Spanish. This concludes our lesson on vowel interaction in Spanish. Hopefully, this has helped clarify how vowels work together in different ways, and don't forget to write us with your questions and suggestions.

banner2 PLACEHOLDER

Words That Start with Y in Spanish

Although there aren't many words that start with the letter Y in Spanish, this letter is quite important, particularly if we think in terms of the conjunction and pronoun that are formed with it. Let's hear some clips from our popular beginner series Conversaciones en el parque:

 

The conjunction y (and) 

 

Sí, a mí me gustan las plantas y las flores y los árboles.

Yes, I like the plants and the flowers and the trees.

Captions 12-13, Conversaciones en el parque - Cap. 5: Me gusta mucho este parque.

 Play Caption

 

The pronoun yo (I)

 

Yo tengo dos naranjas.

I have two oranges.

Caption 29, Conversaciones en el parque - Cap. 5: Me gusta mucho este parque.

 Play Caption

 

Aside from these two important uses, there are a few additional words in Spanish that start with Y, and we will mention some of the most common. First, however, let's learn a couple of things about the letter Y in Spanish.

banner3 PLACEHOLDER

Names for and Pronunciation of the Letter Y in Spanish

The letter Y is the 26th letter of the Spanish alphabet and has two names: "i griega," which literally means "Greek i," and "ye."

 

In terms of pronunciation, the letter "Y" in Spanish has the same sound as the vowel "I" when it stands alone, as in the conjunction y, or at the end of a word, following another vowel. Let's hear this in a few clips:

 

Como veis, estoy rodeada de paja, ¿vale?

As you can see, I'm surrounded by straw, right?

Caption 5, Amaya - Donkey Dreamland

 Play Caption

 

se siente muy enfadada, muy enojada,

they feel very angry, very mad,

Caption 25, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Frases hechas

 Play Caption

 

o a la palabra "Uruguay".

or in the word "Uruguay."

En ese caso, la "i griega" del final hace las veces de una vocal "i".

In that case, the letter "y" at the end acts as an "i" vowel.

Captions 27-28, Carlos explica - Acentuación Cap. 5: Diptongo, triptongo, hiato

 Play Caption

 

For all other instances, the letter Y adopts the consonant sound you can hear in the following words:

 

cuando el ciclista cayó al asfalto.

when the cyclist fell on the asphalt.

Caption 72, Carlos explica - Vocabulario de las matemáticas

 Play Caption

 

la papaya,

papaya,

Caption 40, El Aula Azul - Adivinanzas de colores

 Play Caption

 

¿Estás de acuerdo con Susana

Do you agree with Susana

en que el video apoya las conversaciones de paz?

that the video supports the peace talks?

Caption 27, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 9

 Play Caption

 

Now that we know its names and pronunciation, let's dive into our list of words in Spanish that start with the letter Y.

banner4 PLACEHOLDER

Common Words in Spanish that Start with Y

 

ya (already)

Right behind the conjunction y and the pronoun yo, this adverb is probably one of the most frequently used words that start with Y in Spanish. 

 

ya es un gran logro personal.

it's already a great personal achievement.

Caption 52, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones

 Play Caption

 

yacimiento (site)

 

empezaron a excavar y encontraron este gran yacimiento.

they began to excavate and found this great site.

Caption 59, Amaya - Teatro romano

 Play Caption

 

yanqui (Yankee)

 

contra siglos de explotación por el imperialismo yanqui.

against centuries of exploitation by Yankee imperialism.

Caption 2, Los Tiempos de Pablo Escobar - Capítulo 1

 Play Caption

 

yate (yatch)

 

Me he comprado un yate.

I've bought myself a yacht.

Caption 23, Clase Aula Azul - La segunda condicional

 Play Caption

 

yegua (mare)

 

también una yegua

a mare as well,

Caption 34, Quito - Zoológico de Guayllabamba

 Play Caption

 

yema (yolk)

 

Así separamos la clara de la yema.

This is how we separate the white from the yolk.

Caption 52, El Aula Azul - Receta de natillas

 Play Caption

 

yerba (herb, grass)

Keep in mind that this word can also be written with "h" (hierba).

 

Y me pidió mate de bombilla

And he asked me for mate with a bombilla

y no tengo yerba.

and I don't have the [mate] herb.

Caption 50, Yago - 5 La ciudad

 Play Caption

 

yerno (son-in-law)

 

Es el yerno de mi abuelo Juan.

He's my Grandpa Juan's son-in-law.

Caption 15, Curso de español - ¿Qué relación hay entre ellos?

 Play Caption

 

yeso (cast or plaster)

 

sin tener que poner un yeso

without having to put on a cast

o algo que le limite mucho más.

or something that would limit him much more.

Caption 46, Los médicos explican - El tratamiento de las fracturas

 Play Caption

 

cuatro ladrillos de esos estuvieran pegados con yeso.

four of those bricks were glued with plaster.

Caption 55, Los Tiempos de Pablo Escobar - Capítulo 2

 Play Caption

 

yoyó or yoyo (yo-yo)

 

Me creen. Me creen. Me creen un yoyó.

They believe me. They believe me. They believe I am a yo-yo.

Me tienen pa'rriba y pa'bajo.

They've got me [going] up and down.

Captions 68-69, Muñeca Brava - 7 El poema

 Play Caption

 

yoga (yoga)

 

Cuando trabajamos en yoga las posturas,

When we work in yoga, on the postures,

Caption 5, Ana Teresa - El yoga y la columna vertebral

 Play Caption

 

yogur (yogurt)

 

Me encanta comer cereal con yogur de cerezas. -OK.

I love to eat cereal with cherry yogurt. -OK.

Caption 15, Carlos y Xavi - Diferencia de pronunciación entre España y Colombia

 Play Caption

 

yuca (yucca)

 

La yuca es una raíz... que crece en la selva,

Yucca is a root... that grows in the jungle,

Caption 66, Otavalo - Julia nos muestra las verduras

 Play Caption

 

In addition to these words, there are other Spanish words of foreign origin that start with the letter Y, such as yen (yen), yudo (judo), and yihad (jihad), just to name a few. And let's not forget one word that is hopefully helping you a lot with your Spanish: Yabla!

 

With this last familiar word, we have come to the end of this lesson. Did we leave out any important Spanish words that start with the letter Y? If so, please let us know so we can add them to this list... and don't forget to leave us your suggestions and comments.

banner PLACEHOLDER

Signup to get Free Spanish Lessons sent by email



Animals in Spanish from A to Z

Are you familiar with the names of animals in Spanish? Do you know the Spanish equivalents of nouns like "dog," "lion," or "chicken"? Do you know the words for farm animals in Spanish? What about the names of wild animals in Spanish? If you need to improve your vocabulary on these topics, please feel free to explore the following list of animals in Spanish!

 

animals in spanish

 

As you read along, keep in mind that while this list is in alphabetical order, not all of the letters appear since they don't all correspond with the names of the well-known animals in Spanish that we opted to include. We have additionally added some video clips that will help you to hear how to say the names of most of the animals on this list.

 

Animals That Start with A in Spanish

 

abeja (bee)

Las abejas reinas vuelan,

The queen bees fly around,

Caption 34, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 6

 Play Caption

*Note: "abeja" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the bee" in singular form.

 

águila (eagle)

Veamos un ejemplo más

Let's see another example

utilizando otra palabra femenina singular

using another feminine singular word

que inicia con "a" tónica:

that begins with a stressed "a":

"águila".

"águila" [eagle].

Captions 38-41, Carlos explica - Los artículos en español

 Play Caption

*Note: Although "águila" is feminine, it uses "el" due to the stressed "a" at the beginning, so it's "el águila" in singular.

 

anaconda (anaconda)

Una boa, una anaconda, ¡ay no!

A boa, an anaconda, oh, no!

Caption 49, Cleer y Lida - Juego de preguntas y respuestas

 Play Caption

*Note: "anaconda" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the anaconda" in singular form.

 

araña (spider)

Llegó la araña que el idioma daña

It's arrived, the spider that damages the language

Caption 53, Calle 13 - Tango del pecado

 Play Caption

 

ardilla (squirrel)

Y la pobre ardilla cayó muerta.

And the poor squirrel dropped dead.

Caption 48, Cleer - El cuento de los cuatro hermanos

 Play Caption

*Note: "ardilla" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the squirrel" in singular form.

 

Although there are many more animals in Spanish that start with the letter a, we would like to stop here with two more animals: armadillo (armadillo) and avestruz (ostrich). Both of them are masculine nouns, so we use "el" for "the armadillo" and "the ostrich." 

banner5 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with B in Spanish

 

ballena (whale)

¡La ballena! -¡La ballena!

The whale! -The whale!

Caption 9, Guillermina y Candelario - La competencia de baile

 Play Caption

 

búfalo (buffalo)

el búfalo,

the buffalo,

Caption 20, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

buitre (vulture)

El Quebrantahuesos

The Bearded Vulture [the name in Spanish means "shatter bones"]

es un buitre excepcionalmente distinto

is an exceptionally distinct vulture

Caption 20, Club de las ideas - Batería de breves

 Play Caption

*Note: "buitre" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the vulture" in singular form.

 

búho (owl)

también tienen hiato palabras como "cohete" o "búho".

words like "cohete" [rocket] or "búho" [owl] also have a hiatus.

Caption 42, Carlos explica - Acentuación Cap. 5: Diptongo, triptongo, hiato

 Play Caption

*Note: "búho" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the owl" in singular form.

 

burro (donkey)

porque es el burro más simpático

because he's the nicest donkey

que os vais a encontrar en vuestra vida.

that you're going to encounter in your life.

Captions 38-39, Amaya - El burrito Luz

 Play Caption

 

buey (ox)

Que el buey solo bien se lava.

That the ox alone washes itself well.

Caption 49, Yago - 12 Fianza

 Play Caption

Animals That Start with C in Spanish

 

The letter c is quite generous in terms of names of animals in Spanish. Let's look at several of them.

 

caballo (horse)

Algunos ejemplos de palabras con dígrafos

Some examples of words with digraphs

incluyen las palabras "caballo".

include the words "caballo" [horse].

Caption 39, Carlos explica - Acentuación Cap. 3: La división en sílabas

 Play Caption

*Note: "caballo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the horse" in singular form.

 

cabra (goat)

Productos típicos de la zona

Typical products of the area

son el queso de cabra y el aceite de oliva.

are goat cheese and olive oil.

Captions 74-76, Rosa - Antequera, Málaga

 Play Caption

*Note: "cabra" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the goat" in singular form.

 

cachorro (puppy)

que ha sido seleccionada desde cachorro

who has been selected since she was a puppy

para ayudar a personas que lo necesitan.

to help people who need it.

Captions 52-53, Isabel Lavesa - Terapia asistida con animales

 Play Caption

*Note: "cachorro" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the puppy" in singular form.

 

cangrejo (crab)

¿Es un cangrejo?

Is it a crab?

Caption 29, Guillermina y Candelario - Un marciano en la playa

 Play Caption

*Note: "cangrejo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the crab" in singular form.*

 

camello (camel)

¡Nuestro continente con forma de camello!

Our continent in the shape of a camel!

Caption 25, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 12

 Play Caption

*Note: "camello" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the camel" in singular form.

 

canguro (kangaroo)

Y... Es muy famoso porque tiene canguros

And... It's very famous because it has kangaroos

Caption 27, El Aula Azul - Piensa rápido - Part 2

 Play Caption

*Note: "canguro" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the kangaroo" in singular form.

 

caracol (snail)

Es que el caracol se mueve como un gusanito

It's just that the snail moves like a worm

Caption 25, Guillermina y Candelario - La Casa de Muñecas

 Play Caption

 

cebra (zebra)

La cebra.

The zebra.

Caption 17, El Aula Azul - Adivinanzas de animales - Part 1

 Play Caption

 

cerdo (pig)

el cerdo,

the pig,

Caption 13, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

There are multiple names for some animals in Spanish, which is the case of the pig. Some alternative terms include chancho, puerco and marrano.

 

ciervo (deer)

pero puede cazar incluso un ciervo.

but it can even hunt a deer.

Caption 68, El Aula Azul - Adivinanzas de animales - Part 2

 Play Caption

*Note: "ciervo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the deer" in singular form.

 

cocodrilo (crocodile)

Sí! El cocodrilo.

Yes! The crocodile.

Caption 39, El Aula Azul - Adivinanzas de animales - Part 2

 Play Caption

 

colibrí (hummingbird)

"compás" o "colibrí".

"compás" [compass] or "colibrí" [hummingbird].

Caption 30, Carlos explica - Acentuación Cap. 4: Clasificación de las palabras según el acento

 Play Caption

*Note: "colibrí" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the hummingbird" in singular form.

 

cóndor (condor)

Ustedes saben que el cóndor

You know that the condor

Caption 33, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín - Virginia y el cóndor

 Play Caption

 

conejo (rabbit)

tengo a otro perro y un conejo.

I have another dog, and a rabbit.

Caption 8, Amaya - Apertura del refugio

 Play Caption

*Note: "conejo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the rabbit" in singular form.

 

cucaracha (cockroach)

 

Esa cucaracha, la aplasto yo.

I´ll crush that cockroach.

Caption 27, Muñeca Brava 2 Venganza - Part 7

 Play Caption

*Note: "cucaracha" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the cockroach" in singular form.

banner4 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with D in Spanish

 

dragón de Komodo (Komodo dragon)

*Note: "dragón" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the dragon" in singular form.

 

delfín (dolphin)

Es que el delfín era muy fuerte.

It's just that the dolphin was very strong.

Caption 25, Guillermina y Candelario - El Festival de Verano

 Play Caption

 

dromedario (dromedary)

*Note: "dromedario" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the dromedary" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with E in Spanish

 

elefante (elephant)

un elefante,

an elephant,

Caption 29, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones

 Play Caption

*Note: "elefante" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the elephant" in singular form.

 

estrella de mar (starfish)

y dejaría de ser una estrella de mar.

and it wouldn't be a starfish anymore.

Caption 42, Guillermina y Candelario - Un regalo de Estrellas

 Play Caption

*Note: "estrella" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the starfish" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with F in Spanish

 

flamenco (flamingo)

un flamenco,

a flamingo,

Caption 30, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones

 Play Caption

*Note: "flamenco" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the flamingo" in singular form.

 

foca (seal)

siete, la foca,

seven, the seal,

Caption 17, Luis Guitarra - Aprendiendo a contar

 Play Caption

banner2 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with G in Spanish

 

gallina (hen)

la gallina,

the hen,

Caption 11, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

ganso (goose)

*Note: "ganso" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the goose" in singular form.

 

gato (cat)

"...el gato,..."

"...el gato" [the cat]...

Caption 8, Clase Aula Azul - Se involuntario - Part 3

 Play Caption

 

By the way, if you like cats, we would like to invite you to take a look at one of our more popular series: Fermín y los gatos!

 

gorila (gorilla)

uno, el gorila,

one, the gorilla,

Caption 11, Luis Guitarra - Aprendiendo a contar

 Play Caption

 

gusano (worm)

No matamos a ningún gusano.

We didn't kill any worm.

Caption 48, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Frases hechas

 Play Caption

*Note: "gusano" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the worm" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with H in Spanish

 

hámster (hamster)

Por ejemplo, no el hámster,

For example, not "el hámster" [the hamster],

Caption 51, Clase Aula Azul - Se involuntario - Part 4

 Play Caption

 

hiena (hyena)

la hiena,

the hyena,

Caption 24, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

hipopótamo (hippopotamus)

 

un hipopótamo,

a hippopotamus,

Caption 27, Aprendiendo con Silvia Las emociones - Part 6

 Play Caption

*Note: "hipopótamo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the hippopotamus" in singular form.

banner5 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with I in Spanish

 

iguana (iguana)

Iguana.

"Iguana" [Iguana].

Caption 17, Español para principiantes - Las vocales

 Play Caption

*Note: "iguana" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the iguana" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with J in Spanish

 

jabalí (boar)

Y un día nos sorprendió un jabalí.

And one day, a wild boar surprised us.

Caption 53, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Recuerdos de infancia

 Play Caption

*Note: "jabalí" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the boar" in singular form.

 

jirafa (giraffe)

y una jirafa.

and a giraffe.

Caption 31, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones - Part 6

 Play Caption

*Note: "jirafa" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the giraffe" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with K in Spanish

 

koala (koala)

*Note: "koala" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the koala" in singular form.

banner3 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with L in Spanish

 

león (lion)

El león.

The lion.

Caption 31, El Aula Azul - Adivinanzas de animales - Part 1

 Play Caption

 

leopardo (leopard)

el cachorrito de leopardo

the leopard cub

Caption 31, Animales en familia - Un día en Bioparc: Cachorro de leopardo

 Play Caption

*Note: "leopardo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the leopard" in singular form.

 

lobo (wolf)

Yo quiero un lobo domesticado

I want a domesticated wolf

Caption 8, Shakira - Loba

 Play Caption

*Note: "lobo" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the wolf" in singular form.

 

loro (parrot)

el loro,

the parrot,

Caption 7, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

Animals That Start with M in Spanish

 

manatí (manatee)

*Note: "manatí" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the manatee" in singular form.

 

mapache (racoon)

Ya a continuación tenemos el mapache sudamericano.

Next, we have the South American raccoon.

Caption 23, Quito - Zoológico de Guayllabamba

 Play Caption

 

mariposa (butterfly)

Mariposa de sueño, te pareces a mi alma,

Dream butterfly, you look like my soul,

Caption 18, Chus recita poemas - Neruda y Pizarnik

 Play Caption

*Note: "mariposa" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the butterfly" in singular form.

 

medusa (jellyfish)

La Medusa.

The Jellyfish.

Caption 18, Extr@: Extra en español - Ep. 8: La prima de la dueña - Part 2

 Play Caption

 

mono (monkey)

un mono,

a monkey,

Caption 28, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones - Part 6

 Play Caption

*Note: "mono" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the monkey" in singular form.

 

mosca (fly)

podría ser la mosca verde de la carne

could be the green flesh fly

Caption 34, Estepona - Orquidario

 Play Caption

 

murciélago (bat)

 

La palabra más larga es murciélago. ¿Por qué? Pues porque tiene las cinco vocales dentro de la palabra.

The longest word is bat. Why? Well because it has the five vowels within the word.

Captions 43-45, Karla e Isabel Palabras

 Play Caption

*Note: "murciélago" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the bat" in singular form.

banner5 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with N in Spanish

 

narval​ (narwhal)

*Note: "narval" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the narwhal" in singular form.

 

nutria (otter)

*Note: "nutria" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the otter" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with Ñ in Spanish

 

ñandú (rheas)

*Note: "ñandú" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the rheas" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with O in Spanish

 

oso (bear)

cuatro, el oso gris,

four, the grey bear,

Caption 14, Luis Guitarra - Aprendiendo a contar

 Play Caption

 

oveja (sheep)

¿Qué crees que pasaba antes de que la oveja empezara a tejer?

What do you think was happening before the sheep began to knit?

Caption 42, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones

 Play Caption

 

Animals That Start with P in Spanish

 

pájaro (bird)

el pájaro,

the bird,

Caption 16, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

pantera (panther)

También es el color de la pantera de los dibujos animados

It's also the color of the cartoon panther

Caption 37, El Aula Azul Adivinanzas de colores - Part 1

 Play Caption

 

pato (duck)

el pato,

the duck,

Caption 9, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

pavo (turkey)

el pavo,

the turkey,

Caption 10, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

pelícano (pelican)

Sí, mi amigo el pelícano nos ayudó.

Yes, my friend the pelican helped us.

Caption 36, Guillermina y Candelario El Gran Descubrimiento

 Play Caption

 

perro (dog)

tres, el perro,

three, the dog,

Caption 13, Luis Guitarra - Aprendiendo a contar

 Play Caption

 

pez (fish)

¡Es un pez! -¡Un pez mágico!

It's a fish! -A magic fish!

Caption 37, Guillermina y Candelario - Un pez mágico

 Play Caption

*Note: "pez" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the fish" in singular form.

 

pingüino (pinguin)

¿Un pingüino?

A penguin?

Caption 19, Guillermina y Candelario - Nuestro Amigo Pinguino

 Play Caption

*Note: "pingüino" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the penguin" in singular form

 

pollo (chicken)

el pollo,

the chicken,

Caption 12, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

pulpo (octopus)

¡El pulpo!

The Octopus!

Caption 26, Extr@: Extra en español - Ep. 4: Sam busca un trabajo

 Play Caption

banner2 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with R in Spanish

 

rana (frog)

Seguro que canta como una rana.

I'm sure she sings like a frog.

Caption 20, Extr@: Extra en español - Ep. 8: La prima de la dueña - Part 5

 Play Caption

*Note: "rana" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the frog" in singular form.

 

rata (rat)

¡Eso es para que aprenda a respetar a mi hermana,

That is for you to learn to respect my sister,

rata de alcantarilla!

sewer rat!

Caption 11, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 4

 Play Caption

*Note: "rata" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the rat" in singular form.

 

ratón (mouse)

¡Un ratón!

A mouse!

Caption 76, NPS No puede ser - 1 - El concurso

 Play Caption

*Note: "ratón" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the mouse" in singular form.

 

rinoceronte (rhinoceros)

el rinoceronte,

the rhinoceros,

Caption 19, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

Animals That Start with S in Spanish

 

sapo (toad)

¿Por qué el sapo va agarrado a un globo?

Why is the toad holding on to a balloon?

Caption 14, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones

 Play Caption

 

serpiente (snake)

 

la serpiente,

the snake,

Caption 27, Graciela Los animales

 Play Caption

*Note: "serpiente" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the snake" in singular form.

banner4 PLACEHOLDER

Animals That Start with T in Spanish

 

tiburón (shark)

El tiburón ballena, que es el más grande de todos,

The whale shark, which is the biggest of them all,

sólo come plancton.

only eats plankton.

Caption 25, Guillermina y Candelario - La Lleva

 Play Caption

 

tigre (tiger)

el tigre,

the tiger,

Caption 23, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

toro (bull)

el toro,

the bull,

Caption 8, Graciela - Los animales

 Play Caption

 

tortuga (turtle)

Yo estaba cansada y me senté en la tortuga de mar.

I was tired and sat down on the sea turtle.

Caption 13, Guillermina y Candelario - La Abuela Marina

 Play Caption

 

tucán (toucan)

un tucán,

a toucan,

Caption 26, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones - Part 6

 Play Caption

*Note: "tucán" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the toucan" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with V in Spanish

 

vaca (cow)

y diez, la vaca.

and ten, the cow.

Caption 20, Luis Guitarra - Aprendiendo a contar

 Play Caption

 

Animals That Start with Y in Spanish

 

yegua (mare)

también una yegua

a mare as well,

Caption 34, Quito - Zoológico de Guayllabamba

 Play Caption

*Note: "yegua" is a feminine noun, so we use "la" for "the mare" in singular form.

 

Animals That Start with Z in Spanish

 

zorro (fox)

Observa detenidamente al zorro

Observe carefully the fox

Caption 37, Aprendiendo con Silvia - Las emociones - Part 5

 Play Caption

*Note: "zorro" is a masculine noun, so we use "el" for "the fox" in singular form.

 

And that's all for our list of animals in Spanish. Do you know more animals in Spanish that you think we should include in this list? If so, don't hesitate to send us your suggestions and comments!

banner2 PLACEHOLDER

Signup to get Free Spanish Lessons sent by email



Caption 27, 23, 19, 16, 11, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 24, 13, 20
Newbie