How to Say "Chameleon" in Spanish

camaleón

/kamaleˈon/masculine

The Spanish word for chameleon is camaleón.

camaleón is a masculine noun used to refer to the reptile.

Meaning: reptile (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

To express the plural form, chameleons, use camaleones.

/kamaleˈon/

The name for this reptile actually means 'ground lion' because it combines the Greek words for 'on the ground' and 'lion'.
In Spanish literature and poetry, the camaleón is frequently used as a symbol of deception or hiding one's true intentions rather than just physical camouflage.
While English uses 'chameleon' for both the animal and the metaphor, Spanish often uses the phrase cambiar de piel ('to change skin') to describe a similar personal transformation.

El camaleón puede cambiar el color de su piel.
The chameleon can change its skin color.
This sentence illustrates how the camaleón can change its skin color.
Tatoeba #4151059 by Georgelliot, translation #4149506 by Hybrid
El camaleón cambia de color según dónde se encuentre.
The chameleon changes color depending on where it finds itself.
This sentence explains how the camaleón changes color based on its location.
Tatoeba #845517 by Shishir, translation #878013 by papabear
Los camaleones son fascinantes criaturas capaces de cambiar su color para camuflarse.
Chameleons are fascinating creatures capable of changing their color for camouflage.
El camaleónico actor sorprendió a todos con su versatilidad en el escenario.
The chameleon-like actor amazed everyone with his versatility on stage.
Vi un camaleón pequeño en la rama.
I saw a small chameleon on the branch.

Lucía and Mateo are looking at a nature book in a park.

Sources

Wiktionary, “chameleon” translations and entries camaleón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries camaleón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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