Wasserschwein
/ˈva.sɐ.ʃvaɪ̯n/neuter
The English word capybara is translated into German as Wasserschwein or Capybara.
Meaning: Hydrochoerus (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wasserschwein | /ˈva.sɐ.ʃvaɪ̯n/ | neuter |
| Capybara | /kapiˈbaːʁa/ | neuter |
Both terms refer to the rodent Hydrochoerus. Capybara is the standard scientific and common term used today, while Wasserschwein is a descriptive term meaning water pig.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Wasserschwein is a compound of Wasser (water) and Schwein (pig).
Which one should you use?
Capybara is the more common, standard term for the animal. In contrast, Wasserschwein is a more descriptive and older term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Capybara is a neuter noun. Its plural form is Capybaras. The word Wasserschwein is also a neuter noun. Its plural form is Wasserschweine.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈva.sɐ.ʃvaɪ̯n/', 'syllables': 3, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 3'}
Did you know?
- The name Capybara hides a hidden meaning of 'grass eater' from the Old Tupi language within its roots.
- Even though 'Schwein' is used in the name, a German speaker would never use Wasserschwein to describe a real pig in water.
- While Capybara is the scientific standard, using the term Wasserschwein in a formal zoological context might make a German scientist chuckle due to its much more common, folk-like-sounding nature.
Examples in context
- Ich will ein Capybara.I want a capybara.This sentence demonstrates the use of Capybara in a simple request.Tatoeba #12002189 by Ahha, translation #11994992 by shekitten
- Ich habe gestern im Zoo ein Wasserschwein gesehen.Yesterday, I saw a capybara at the zoo.
- Wasserschweine sind die größten Nagetiere der Welt.Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world.
- Sieh mal, ein Riesenbiber!Look, a capybara!
- Das Wasserschwein ist sehr ruhig.The capybara is very calm.
- Dort im Zoo sieht man ein Wasserschwein.Over there in the zoo, you can see a capybara.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are looking at animals in a zoo.
- HannahSchau mal, Maximilian, dort ist ein Wasserschwein!Look, Maximilian, there is a capybara!
- MaximilianEs sieht wirklich süß aus.It looks really cute.
- HannahIch finde das Wasserschwein total faszinierend.I find the capybara totally fascinating.
- MaximilianIch auch, es ist so friedlich.Me too, it is so peaceful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “capybara” translations and entries Wasserschwein, Capybara, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Capybara, Wasserschwein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
