pájaro
/ˈpaxaɾo/masculine
The English word bird is translated into Spanish as pájaro or ave.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pájaro | /ˈpaxaɾo/ | masculine |
| ave | /ˈabe/ | feminine |
Both words refer to the animal known as a bird. Pájaro is the standard term used in everyday conversation, while ave is used in more technical or formal contexts.
Which one should you use?
Pájaro is the common, everyday word for a bird. In contrast, ave is a more formal or scientific term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although ave is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine article el in the singular (e.g., el ave) to avoid a hiatus between the stressed 'a' and the 'e'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaxaɾo/
Did you know?
- If you see AVE written in all capital letters on a Spanish railway sign, it does not refer to a bird, but to the 'Alta Velocidad Española', the high-speed train network.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, pájaro can be used as a slang term to describe a mischievous person or a 'character'.
- The word pájaro is actually a linguistic relative of the Spanish word peña, which means 'rock' or 'cliff'.
Examples in context
- Deja ir al pájaro.Let the bird fly away.This sentence shows how to use pájaro in a simple command.Tatoeba #1336293 by marcelostockle, translation #278223 by CK
- Vi un ave hermosa.I saw a beautiful bird.This sentence shows the use of ave when describing a bird.Tatoeba #4628971 by pchamorro, translation #261437 by CK
- Ese pájaro no vuela.This bird can't fly.This sentence shows how to use pájaro to describe a bird's ability.Tatoeba #1318192 by hayastan, translation #1276135 by CK
- El colibrí es un ave pequeña pero fascinante.The hummingbird is a small but fascinating bird.
- La gaviota es un pájaro marino muy común.The seagull is a very common marine bird.
- ¡Mira ese pajarito! Es tan lindo.Look at that little bird! It's so cute.
- En mi jardín hay muchos pájaros.There are many birds in my garden.
- Mi vecino tiene una cotorra que habla.My neighbor has a talking parrot.
- 217 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking in a park.
- DanielMira ese pájaro en la rama.Look at that bird on the branch.
- ElenaEs un pájaro muy bonito, Daniel.It is a very pretty bird, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Puedes oírlo?Can you hear it?
- ElenaSí, su canto es muy dulce.Yes, its song is very sweet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bird” translations and entries pájaro, ave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ave, pájaro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
