ajolote
/axoˈlote/masculine
The English word axolotl is translated into Spanish as ajolote. If unsure, use ajolote. It is also spelled ajolota. Wiktionary also lists axolote.
Meaning: endangered salamander (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ajolote | /axoˈlote/ | masculine |
| ajolota | /axoˈlota/ | feminine, alternative form |
| axolote | /aɡsolote/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to the endangered salamander. While the English spelling uses an 'x', the most common Spanish spelling uses a 'j'.
Which one should you use?
ajolote is the standard masculine form, while ajolota is an alternative spelling that is also the feminine form used to refer specifically to a female specimen. axolote is another masculine form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the animal is referred to as El Ajolote.
How does it change in a sentence?
ajolote is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/axoˈlote/
When do people say it?
The axolotl is known by the informal nickname El Monstruo del Xochimilco.
Did you know?
- In the context of Mexican history, the name of the animal is deeply tied to Aztec mythology, where the creature represents the god Xolotl, who transformed into an axolotl to avoid death.
- In Spanish literature, the ajolote is the central subject of a famous surrealist short story by Julio Cortázar, where the creature reflects on its own existence.
- The Spanish word ajolote is actually a loanword from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, rather than a word with Latin or Spanish roots.
Examples in context
- El ajolote es un extraño animal que solamente vive en México.The axolotl is a strange animal that only lives in Mexico.This sentence is useful for learning about the habitat of the ajolote.Tatoeba #10264504 by saverius, translation #12925938 by araneo
- El ajolote tiene branquias externas muy llamativas.The axolotl has very striking external gills.
- Vimos un ajolote pequeño en el acuario.We saw a small axolotl at the aquarium.
Example conversation
At a science museum, discussing a new exhibit.
- María¡Mira, Javier! Hay un ajolote en este tanque.Look, Javier! There is an axolotl in this tank.
- JavierEs increíble, María, es un ejemplar muy bonito.It is incredible, María, it is a very beautiful specimen.
- María¿Sabías que este ajolote es una especie protegida?Did you know this axolotl is a protected species?
- JavierSí, es muy importante cuidar su hábitat.Yes, it is very important to protect its habitat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “axolotl” translations and entries ajolote, ajolota, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajolote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
