paruparo
/paɾupaˈɾo/
The Tagalog word for butterfly is paruparo. Wiktionary also lists mariposa.
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| paruparo | /paɾupaˈɾo/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| mariposa | /maɾiˈposa/ (Standard Tagalog) |
This noun refers to the insect known as a butterfly.
Which one should you use?
While paruparo is the standard term, you may encounter mariposa, which is a Spanish-derived loanword. In many contexts, speakers may contrast paruparo (butterfly) with gamugamo (moth).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mariposa is considered archaic or Spanish-derived and is less commonly used in modern conversational Tagalog than paruparo, but is still understood.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾupaˈɾo/
Did you know?
- In traditional Filipino folklore, some believe that seeing a paruparo enter a house is a sign that a guest or a spirit is about to visit.
- The word paruparo shares a phonetic kinship with the word papiru found in the Yoron and Yaeyama languages of Japan.
- Be careful not to confuse paruparo with the Malay word paru-paru, which actually means 'lung'.
Examples in context
- Paruparo ba ito o gamugamo?Is it a butterfly or a moth?This sentence is useful for distinguishing between a paruparo and a moth.Tatoeba #11561591 by qwertzu, translation #42225 by CK
- Gaano kahaba ang buhay ng paruparo?How long does a butterfly live?This sentence is useful for asking about the lifespan of a paruparo.Tatoeba #11773746 by qwertzu, translation #4536145 by CK
- Nakahuli ako ng magandang paruparo.I caught a beautiful butterfly.This sentence is useful for describing the act of catching a paruparo.Tatoeba #11773772 by qwertzu, translation #261436 by CK
- Nakakatuwa ang mga paruparong naglipad sa hardin.The butterflies flying in the garden are delightful.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young girl and her brother are playing in a garden.
- JasmineMark, tingnan mo ang makulay na paruparo!Mark, look at the colorful butterfly!
- MarkAng ganda ng paruparo na iyan.That butterfly is beautiful.
- JasmineGusto ko siyang habulin.I want to chase it.
- MarkHuwag, baka matakot ang paruparo.Don't, the butterfly might get scared.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries paruparo, mariposa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mariposa, paruparo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
