Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pájaro | /ˈpaxaɾo/ | masculine |
| ave | /ˈabe/ | feminine |
Both words refer to the animal known as a bird, but they are used in different contexts.
Which one should you use?
Pájaro is the common, everyday word used in most situations. Ave is used in more formal or scientific contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pájaro is the most widely used term across both Spain and Latin America. In some regions, pajarraco is used to refer to a large or remarkable bird. Additionally, the colloquial term pajarote can be used to mean a "big bird".
How does it change in a sentence?
Although ave is a feminine noun, you must use the masculine article el in the singular (e.g., el ave) to avoid a double "a" sound, known as cacophony. However, when using the plural form, the feminine article las is used (e.g., las aves) because this rule only applies to the singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaxaɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spain, AVE is the common name for the national high-speed rail network. While it sounds exactly like the word for 'bird', it is actually an acronym for Alta Velocidad Española.
- In colloquial Spanish, calling someone a pajarraco can imply they are a suspicious or untrustworthy person, rather than just a large bird.
- The term pajarote is often used as a slang term for something very large or as a double entendre for male anatomy in some Latin American countries.
Examples in context
- Deja ir al pájaro.Let the bird fly away.This sentence demonstrates the use of pájaro.Tatoeba #1336293 by marcelostockle, translation #278223 by CK
- Vi un ave hermosa.I saw a beautiful bird.This sentence demonstrates the use of ave.Tatoeba #4628971 by pchamorro, translation #261437 by CK
- Ese pájaro no vuela.This bird can't fly.Tatoeba #1318192 by hayastan, translation #1276135 by CK
- Vi un ave volando en el cielo.I saw a bird flying in the sky.
- ¡Mira ese pajarito tan bonito!Look at that beautiful little bird!
- 217 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking out the window at a garden.
- LucíaMira ese pájaro azul en el árbol.Look at that blue bird in the tree.
- JavierEs muy bonito, ¿qué especie es?It is very pretty, what species is it?
- LucíaNo lo sé, pero es un pájaro pequeño.I don't know, but it is a small bird.
- JavierCreo que es un azulejo.I think it is a bluebird.
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.
