jaula
/ˈxaula/feminine
The English phrase birdcage is translated into Spanish as jaula.
While jaula is the general word for any cage (for animals, etc.), you can say jaula de pájaros to be more specific about the contents.
Meaning: cage to keep birds in (noun)
Which one should you use?
The standard term is jaula, but you may also use jaula de pájaros to specify that the cage is for birds. Additionally, La jaulita de pájaros serves as an informal diminutive term for a birdcage.
How does it change in a sentence?
jaula is a feminine noun. The plural form is las jaulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxaula/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word jaula is a distant relative of the English word 'jail'. Both words evolved from the Latin cavea, which refers to a hollow space or enclosure.
- In Spanish literature and music, the image of a jaula is frequently used as a metaphor for emotional confinement or a restrictive social environment, rather than just a physical object.
- Historically, Spanish had a doublet word gayola for a cage. While rare today, it still appears in some regional dialects and older literature.
Examples in context
- Tom me hizo una jaula.Tom made me a birdcage.This sentence shows how to use the word jaula in a simple context.Tatoeba #1333719 by Shishir, translation #37116 by CK
- La jaula es de metal.The cage is made of metal.
- Necesito una jaula para mi canario.I need a cage for my canary.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at a pet store window.
- María¿Viste esa jaula azul?Did you see that blue cage?
- MateoSí, es muy bonita, María.Yes, it is very pretty, María.
- MaríaEs demasiado grande para un pájaro.It is too large for a bird.
- MateoTienes razón, busquemos otra.You are right, let's look for another one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “birdcage” translations and entries jaula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jaula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
