cactus
/ˈkaɡtus/masculine, alternative form
The Spanish word for cactus is cactus. Wiktionary also lists cacto.
Meaning: member of the Cactaceae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cactus | /ˈkaɡtus/ | masculine, alternative form |
| cacto | /ˈkaɡto/ | masculine |
The word refers to any member of the Cactaceae family.
Which one should you use?
cacto and cactus are both used to refer to the same plant, with cactus acting as an alternative spelling for cacto.
How does it change in a sentence?
cactus is an invariant noun, which means the word does not change its form when used in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɡtus/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the most famous cactus is the nopal, which is not just a plant but a national symbol appearing on the Mexican coat of arms.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase estás como un cactus can be used colloquially to describe someone who is prickly or irritable.
- The Greek origin of cactus refers to the 'cardoon', a thistle-like plant, rather than a succulent.
Examples in context
- Compré un cactus.I bought a cactus.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of cactus in a simple statement.Tatoeba #2222890 by Shishir, translation #2898163 by AlanF_US
- Tus labios son tan suaves como la superficie de un cactus.Your lips are soft like the surface of a cactus.This sentence uses cactus in a comparison.Tatoeba #916776 by Shishir, translation #485163 by FeuDRenais
- A Momoztli le gusta comer las frutas de cacto.Momoztli likes eating cactus fruits.This sentence uses cacto to describe the fruit of the plant.Tatoeba #3655242 by nonong, translation #10916736 by Luornu
- Vi un cacto en el jardín botánico.I saw a cactus in the botanical garden.
- Este cacto es muy bonito, ¿verdad?This cactus is very beautiful, isn't it?
- El nopal es una planta muy resistente al calor.The nopal is a very heat-resistant plant.
- ¡Cuidado con las espinas del nopal!Be careful with the spines of the cactus!
- ¿Viste la pita que crece en mi jardín?Did you see the cactus growing in my garden?
- La pita tiene flores muy hermosas en primavera.The cactus has beautiful flowers in spring.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a plant nursery.
- Lucía¿Te gusta este cactus pequeño?Do you like this small cactus?
- MateoSí, es un cactus muy bonito.Yes, it is a very pretty cactus.
- LucíaPero tiene muchas espinas.But it has many thorns.
- MateoNo importa, lo voy a comprar.It doesn't matter, I am going to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cactus” translations and entries cactus, cacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cacto, cactus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
