aloe vera
/aloe beɾa/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase aloe vera is translated into Spanish as aloe vera. Wiktionary also lists sábila.
Meaning: Aloe vera (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aloe vera | /aloe beɾa/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| sábila | /ˈsabila/ | Central America, Peru, feminine |
Both aloe vera and sábila are used to refer to the aloe vera plant.
Which one should you use?
sábila is a common regional synonym for aloe vera used in Central America and Peru.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Canary Islands and certain regions of Spain, it is common to use the term aloe vera. In Central America and Peru, sábila is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
aloe vera is a masculine noun and is used with masculine articles, such as el aloe vera. Conversely, sábila is a feminine noun and is used with feminine articles, such as la sábila.
How do you pronounce it?
/aloe beɾa/
Did you know?
- While aloe vera is the scientific name, many Spanish speakers use sábila in daily life. This term is derived from the Arabic word 'sabir', meaning 'patient', likely due to the plant's ability to survive long droughts.
- In some traditional Spanish households, sábila is not just a medicinal plant but a protective charm. It is sometimes placed near the entrance of a home to ward off bad energy or 'mal ojo'.
- In various Latin American folk traditions, the gel from sábila is used in 'limpias'. This is a ritual cleansing where the plant is used to 'absorb' negative vibes from a person.
Examples in context
- La sábila tiene propiedades medicinales muy beneficiosas para la piel.Aloe vera has medicinal properties that are very beneficial for the skin.
- Recomendaron aplicarse un poco de sábila para aliviar la quemadura.They recommended applying a bit of aloe vera to relieve the burn.
- Mi mamá siempre tiene una planta de áloe en casa.My mom always has an aloe plant at home.
- Si te quemas, aplica un poco de aloe para aliviar el dolor.If you get burned, apply a bit of aloe to relieve the pain.
- Me gustaría comprar un gel de aloe vera para mi piel.I would like to buy an aloe vera gel for my skin.
- El aloe vera es bueno para la piel.Aloe vera is good for the skin.
- Necesito un poco de aloe vera.I need a little bit of aloe vera.
- Compré aloe vera en la farmacia.I bought aloe vera at the pharmacy.
Example conversation
Sofía is showing Mateo a natural remedy for a sunburn.
- Mateo¿Te duele la quemadura, Sofía?Does the burn hurt, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, un poco.Yes, a little.
- MateoUsa este aloe vera para aliviarla.Use this aloe vera to soothe it.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo, me ayudará mucho.Thanks, Mateo, it will help me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aloe vera” translations and entries sábila, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
