cerebro
/θeˈɾebɾo/masculine
The Spanish word for brain is cerebro.
Cerebro is the most common and standard term to refer to the organ that controls our thoughts and actions. In certain contexts, especially in Spain, you might also use mente to refer to the brain or the mind.
Meaning: organ (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cerebro is the standard word for brain, encéfalo is a more formal, technical medical term used to refer to the entire structure of the brain and brainstem. For very informal situations, you might hear the slang term coco, which is similar to the English terms noggin or noodle.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term mente to refer to the brain or mind is particularly common in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cerebro is a masculine noun. Its plural form is cerebros.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeˈɾebɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word coco is also used in the phrase el Coco to refer to a mythical boogeyman used to frighten children into behaving.
- If you use the slang term coco to mean 'brain', you are using a word that also means 'coconut'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone 'un cerebro' is a way to describe them as a 'brainiac' or a very intelligent person.
Examples in context
- ¡Mi cerebro está frito!My brain is fried!This sentence shows an informal way to say your brain is tired or overtaxed using cerebro.Tatoeba #9057692 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9057695 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Leer activa el cerebro.Reading activates the brain.This sentence describes how an activity affects the cerebro.Tatoeba #13652853 by Seael, translation #13651636 by Adelpa
- Está en el cerebro de Yanni.It's in Yanni's brain.This sentence shows how to indicate that something is located within the cerebro of a person.Tatoeba #10031452 by manufrutos, translation #10031181 by Amastan
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a biology project.
- ElenaMira este dibujo del cerebro humano.Look at this drawing of the human brain.
- AlejandroEs increíble cómo funciona el cerebro.It is incredible how the brain works.
- ElenaSí, es el órgano más complejo.Yes, it is the most complex organ.
- AlejandroNecesito estudiar más sobre el cerebro.I need to study more about the brain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brain” translations and entries cerebro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
