carpincho
/kaɾˈpint͡ʃo/Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, masculine
The English phrase capybara is translated into Spanish as carpincho. Wiktionary also lists capibara and chigüire.
Meaning: Hydrochoerus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carpincho | /kaɾˈpint͡ʃo/ | Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, masculine |
| capibara | /kapiˈbaɾa/ | masculine |
| chigüire | /t͡ʃiˈɡwiɾe/ | Venezuela, masculine |
| chigüiro | /t͡ʃiˈɡwiɾo/ | Colombia, masculine |
| ronsoco | /ronˈsoko/ | Peru, masculine |
All these terms refer to the rodent species Hydrochoerus.
Which one should you use?
While capibara is a standard term based on the scientific name and is widely understood, regional terms like carpincho or chigüire are much more common in daily speech within their specific countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Southern Cone region of South America (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), carpincho is the most common term. In Venezuela, the animal is specifically called chigüire. In Colombia, it is commonly known as chigüiro. In Peru, it is often referred to as ronsoco. Additionally, in parts of Bolivia and Peru, the term ñeque is used to refer to a capybara.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾˈpintʃo/
Did you know?
- In Argentina and Uruguay, the carpincho is often viewed as a symbol of national identity and appears frequently in local folklore and art.
- The term carpincho is a linguistic hybrid that blends the Guarani word for 'grass' with a Spanish suffix.
Examples in context
- Quiero un capibara.I want a capybara.This sentence demonstrates the use of capibara.Tatoeba #12002186 by Ahha, translation #11994992 by shekitten
- El carpincho está nadando en el río.The capybara is swimming in the river.
- Vimos un carpincho en el zoológico.We saw a capybara at the zoo.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a nature documentary on TV.
- DanielMira ese carpincho tan grande.Look at that huge capybara.
- MaríaEs muy simpático, Daniel.He is very cute, Daniel.
- DanielMe gustaría ver un carpincho en persona.I would like to see a capybara in person.
- MaríaPodemos ir al parque de animales mañana.We can go to the animal park tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “capybara” translations and entries carpincho, capibara, chigüire, chigüiro, ronsoco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries capibara, carpincho, chigüire, chigüiro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
